Xylophones in the archaeological record is a conspicuous representation of music in prehistory. In Southeast Asia, the traditional performance of xylophones in its varying forms is apparent, and an important aspect of identity among cultural communities. Part of an ongoing organological research on the performance of musical instruments in various cultural and religious festivals in the Philippines, this paper examines the gabbang and the concept of identity and innovation in music and archaeology. The gabbang is a trough xylophone with a trapezoidal resonator for its frame seen among the Tausug, Palawan, Samal, Yakan and Magindanaon people from southern Philippines, and as well as in many groups in Southeast Asia. Through a critical analysis of these xylophones and citing examples from those specifically produced for large-scale performances in festivals and those on display in museums, this presentation aims to demonstrate the confluence of tradition and innovation both in musical performance and the material record.