Tari Piring : From a plate become a great and awesome dance

Beside of many natural tourism object, West Sumatra also has tourism art that'll make you impressed. One of them is Tari Piring. In recent years, Government of West Sumatra establish Tari Piring as one of main art tourism in West Sumatra.
To make you impressed, here I show you a video of Tari Piring. Enjoy it ! :D

Tari Piring comes from West Sumatra, exactly in Solok. At first, Tari Piring danced by man and woman to give offerings to their gods as an expression of thankfulness who bless the farmer with a good harvest. They're dancing and holding the plate in their palms simultaneously and it's very agile. There's three variation of motion in Tari Piring such as Tupai Bagaluik, Bagalombang, and Aka Malilik. 

However, as Islam came to Nusantara, the purpose and the meanings of this dance change into a dance which then shown in marriage ceremony, not as a dance to celebrate and worship their Gods. Change also appear in the dancer composition, where the composition of Tari Piring nowadays consist of all women, no men included. I'm sure you'll not believe that the dancers dance with fast and attractive motions, powerful, full of spirit and very beautiful. No plate fall while they dance. The dance started with the dancers who move according to the dance choreography by placing the plate in their own hands with no fall or even shifted, it's perfectly awesome and amazing.

The atmosphere become lively with the music instruments accompany the dance motions such as Talempong and Saluang. The dancer costumes generally use bright colour to support the festive atmosphere of the event. You'll listen typical rhythm created from plates and rings which are held and used by the dancers. Next, in the middle of the show, get ready to watch a throwing plates attraction. The plates which is held by the dancer will be thrown very high into the sky and later its pieces will be trampled by the dancer with the dance motion continuously. It describe expressions of joy and thankfulness of a good harvest given by God. Amazingly, the dancer won't ever get any injuries even they use no footwear. Generraly, the dancer composition consist of three, five, or seven dancers (must be odd numbers).

Tari Piring is well-known its uniqueness to the whole world. The dance has been danced and staged beyond West Sumatra such as Jakarta, Medan, Pekanbaru, and many more. It also has been staged in event of tour festival of Nusantara cultures and ever staged in another countries as part of Nusantara tour festival in Malaysia, Singapore, Serbia, and some countries in europe.

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Keris : A powerful relic weapon from Indonesia

Keris is a short traditional weapon of Malay used since 600 years ago. The weapon is quite unique in Malay world  and it's available around Malay region such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Thailand, South Philippines (Mindanao) and Brunei. Keris is used for self-defense and also as the greatness equipment for the king. It's also as a symbol of the greatness of Malay people. The most famous keris is Keris Taming Sari which is used by Hang Tuah, a famous Malay hero.

Keris originally from Java islands and the ancient keris has been used between 9th century to 14th century. This weapon consist of 3 parts : the eye of keris, the head, and the cover. Keris is often associated with a mystical power by the Malay people in the past. Somepeople believe that keris has its own power. Keris, according to Malay culture must be kept well by making a sacred ceremony for it on certain days such as in Thursday night. Another ways like pouring the citrus (lime) liquid into the keris as the way to keep the purity of its metal. In Central Java, generally, the groom in marriage ceremonies usually use complete javanese costume with keris placed in his waist. Why the groom uses keris as in a wedding party? Keris, in Javanese people is a symbol of manliness and superiority and sometimes when the groom can't attend the ceremony because of certain causes, he will be represented by a keris. Keris also as a symbol of the power.

Actually, the view of Keris started from the belief of the Javanese in the past. The source of the existence of the living creatures in the earth is come from agrarian philosophy, which is the merging of the elements of man and woman. In this world, God creates the living creatures (human, animals, or vegetation) in two different sex, a man and a woman. The belief on agrarian philosophy was very fundamental in the environment of Keraton (the term for a king's palace in javanese) such as Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta, Keraton Yogyakarta, and many more. At first, the belief is originally from Hinduism, which is followed by the Javanese in the past. Also appear some beliefs about Ibu Pertiwi - Bapa Angkasa as an integral part of javanese philosophy.

The belief of agrarian philosophy in the Javanese society is realized in the form of Kirab Pusaka (A ceremony for the relic items (include weapons) which have magical power), which is held before the date of one Suro in Javanese calendar. The relic items usually are sharp weapons like spear, big knife named "Bendho" and many more. The parade of the prime relic weapons of Keraton walk surrounding the complex of Keraton and at the same time, the carriers and the followers focusing their mind and feelings also praise and invoke to the Lord of the universe, invoke the Lord's protection, happiness, inner and outer well-being.

Here's a video about Kirab Pusaka. Wacth and enjoy it :D

The main function of the sharp relic weapons in the past were for self-defense against wild animal and enemy's attack or to kill the enemy. But at this time, the main function of it has changed. In the peace time, sometimes people use keris as a costume complement for the great ceremonies or in wedding party. So, Keris will be decorated with diamonds in the head part of keris. Even its cover made of beautiful carved metal, coated with gold as a pride. Keris also become one of high precious comodity.

The relic weapons isn't just about keris and javanese spear but also almost all regions in Indonesia have famous relic weapons such as Rencong from Aceh, Badik from Makasar, Trident, Balinese keris, and so on.

When Sultan Agung and his army attacked to Kadipaten Pati by the war title ; Garudha Nglayang, Supit Urang, Wukir Jaladri, or Dirada Meta, the soldiers who accompanied him used spears where it's carved with image of Kalacakra. The power of those relic weapons wasn't only from its materials like steel, iron, nickle, even it's mixed with meteorite stones but also its making was accompanied with prayers to God with a spiritual effort from the master. The spiritual power of God was believed by the people as powerful magical power so it will affect the opponents become more weak and terrified.

Once there was an opinion based on scientific test towards sacred keris and the result said that it expended invisible energy. Interestingly, keris which is used as a complement of javanese traditional groom dress is completed with the garland of roses and jasmines placed in the head of keris. It's not just a garnish, but it has meaning to remind the people not to be emotionally, wild, anger, act arbitrarily like Harya Penangsang's character.

The relation with Arya Penangsang is when Aryo Penangsang made war against Sutawijaya, because of Harya Penangsang was an anger, emotional, and uncontrolled, his stomach was punctured by Sutawijaya with the spear of Kyai Plered. His intestine already out of his torn stomach. In the condition wanted to revenge with full of rage, then he tied his intestine into the head of keris on his waist. He continuously attacked the enemy. At the time, when Arya Penangsang wanted to stab his enemy with keris of Setan Kober placed on his waist, when he unsheathe it, his intestine cut off by the eye of his keris. Arya Penangsang died in a great war that killed thousands soldiers. From that war, the idea of placing garland of flowers on the head of keris appear.

Relic weapons such as spear, keris, and many more, will inflict the incredible courage sense to its owner. The people know it as "PIYANDEL" means the enhancer of self-confidence, even the relic keris or relic spear, which is given by the King into royal nobleman contains the trust of the King. However, when the King's trust is tampered with the bad attitude of the royal nobleman, the relic keris can be asked back by the King.

The relation between keris with its cover especially by the Javanese is interpreted as intimate relationship, fused to reach the harmony of life in the world. This interpretation gave rise to a famous philosophy, "Manunggaling Kawula Gusti", unity between courtiers and the King, the unity between human and its creator, the unity between the people and its leader, makes life always more peaceful, happy, healthy and prosperous. In addition of mutual respect between each other, also have to know yourself in work according to portions and each function correctly. Nevertheless, the meanings contained in those relic weapons as art objects of national culture, which contains various aspects in the Javanese life today are threatened its development because of technology aspects is less enthused compared with legend and magical aspects.

The Recognition of Keris

After the recognition of wayang as world heritage in 2003, Keris has its turn on 25th November 2005 in Paris. The recognition of Keris as the world heritage is a fresh news in the midst of  adversity of Indonesia lately.

Keris, as well as Kabuki (Japanese theatre), and traditional show from India, Ramlila, which explain about Ramayana epic. Samba from Brazil and Mak Yong, a traditional form of dance-drama from Malay. They're still exist until now

Actually, there're 64 cultural heritages, which are proposed from several countries to be recognized as world heritage by the UNESCO. However, after going through the valuation from several juries which convene on 20 to 24 November 2005 where Putri Basma binti Talal from Jordania is choosen as the chairman, only 43 objects recognized as masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. Meanwhile, masterpieces which recognized by UNESCO from 2001 and 2003, include wayang, are about 47 in number. Thus, the total of world heritage masterpieces which recognized by UNESCO are 90 in number. Estimated, around hundred thousands dollars a year will be used to preserve Keris and Wayang.

"Through the momentum of the recognition from UNESCO, we should rearranging the view about Keris", Ir Haryono Haryoguritno said. He's one of the Keris expert, which lead research team in field and discussion for a year since August, 2004.

After attending Keris communities in Central Java, East Java, Madura, Bali, & Lombok, Haryono which accompanied by Waluyo Wijayanto from the association of keris enthusiast of Damartaji and an Indonesian lived in Australia, Gaura Mancacaritadipura, summarize their research in a thick report for UNESCO. Also submitted two films about keris culture with durations of 10 minutes and 120 minutes. While today, most mainstream media more often expose "negative views", which related to Keris, according to Haryono, Indonesia should realize that the world today appreciates the ancestral heritage of Indonesian, which in every opportunities always be ignored by Indonesian itself. "Keris nowadays, described in television and it can fly, shine, and closely with shamanism world" Waluyo said. Also layman, which is always connecting Keris with Mpu Gandring and Ken Arok where he killed Mpu Gandring through Keris he booked. Mpu Gandring cursed Keris he made, which actually unfinished and it cursed 7 offsprings of Ken Arok, include Ken Arok itself.

We have to admit that we're very far behind with Singapore and this country has used Keris as identity pride on their airline services. The airlines of this country like Singapore Airlines used name of Keris on their VIP waiting room, named Keris Lounge. Also KrisFlyer, a service for the one who often use airline services. KrisMagazine for their magazine name, and KrisShop for the service of souvenir sale in the plane.

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Saman Dance : A miracle from the land of rencong (Aceh)

If you witness the art and cultural show in international events, maybe you'll witness traditional dance of Aceh called Saman dance. Saman dance is one of interesting performing art from Indonesia, even Saman dance often staged as Indonesian dance ambassador in various international events.

Why the dance called as Saman dance? the dance called as Saman dance because it's created by a Gayo theologian named Shaykh saman around 14th century, from highland of Gayo. Initially, saman dance was only folk game named as Pok Ane. However, it was added some lyric accompaniment contain praise to Allah SWT and also it was accompanied by combination of claps of the dancers.

Overall, this dance is known as origin dance of Gayo society because of the dance was born in Middle Aceh. Many of modern peoples in Asia, Europe, Australia adopt the harmony and quickness of this dance. However, the authenticity of this dance won't ever be imitated because of the essence of the dance only can be found in Aceh.

In line with condition in Aceh in the wars, the sheikhs added poems that increase morale of people of Aceh. The dance is develop continuously according to its needs. Until now, Samandance is more frequently shown in every religious ceremonial even in state event. The dance at first get less attention because of limitation of communication and information from the outside. The dance start to shake the entertainment stage when its appearance in PKA II (Pekan Kebudayaan Aceh) and inauguration of opening of TMII (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah). The rumble of Saman dance in TMII isn't only electrifying Indonesia but also the world.

Saman dance is one of media for achievement of  Da‘wah message that reflect value of education, religiousness, politeness, heroism, solidarity, and togetherness. Before saman dance begins, there will be an opening or called "mukaddimah", with a wise old man or a indigenous elder to represent the local peoples (keketar) that give poem contains advice and da'wah into the players and visitors.

Here the poems of Saman dance you can read :

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      SALAM ‘ALAIKUM
Salam a’ salam alaikum jame ba jame baro troh

Tamong jak tamong jak piyoh u ateuh u ateuh tika
Karena salem nabi kan nabi kan sunah jarota
Jarota mumat syarat mu syarat mulia

      MENGINGAT-INGAT 

Mengingat ingat wahe u rakan
Kebudayaan beugout ta jaga
Beugout ta jaga kebudayaan
Bek rhot u dalam budaya luar
     

AMIN 

Amin Allah sembah amin
Ureng mukmin ke lake lake doa
Berkat rahmat Allah yang bri
Nangro aceh makmur sila sijahtera
Lale lale geut ta mo lale
Hana jan tate umuka tuha
Puteh ngon janggut kuning ngon mise
Hantom ta combe tikamu sala 

      AROE 

Aroe pulo pinang di beudah gelombang tujoh
Lam om patah manyang di dalam minyeuk meulaboh
Hili laot pasi doidi tarek pukat
Olon di darat di darat teupeh bak tajak
Lam puteh teleung lou teleung lou di dalam jerat
Mantong teu ingat teu ingat ke guna gata       

RHET 

Rhet kala rhet meunah meunah
Rhet kala rhet meunah meunah
Cok ampun teuku raja
Si jmpa mirah si ula ka rhet lam ano
     

DI LAOT 

Di laot alon meupile , peuraho woe dua dua
Hai rakan lok bek le laloe , budaya droe beuget ta jaga
Ehe..... hum la hili hala babura..... hum la hili hala
   

 KUTIDING 

Kutiding lahem dinghem (anaa)
Kutiding lahem dinghem lahembot
Botlah tiding lahembot botlah tiding
Haina pute pute , haina pute pute
La pute si bungo pute , la pute sibung pute
Hai lalaba bintang , hai lelaba bintang 

Lama teka ayem mata , lama teka ayem mata (eha’..)

Kutiding lahem dinghem
Kutiding lahem dinghem lahembot
Botlah tiding lahembot botlah tiding
    

HAYLA HOTSA 

Hayla hotsa , ila lahumbakmeu , ahlun kapaydi , etre lama bure bure hay bacute
Salah lahmun konsa , lahlun salahmu , lahpen awaydi , gatra lam perahu
Layar labu kau , sabang katapang , tiang kamengku , alahal manyone ,
Hose ladingone , saying wahai e , cut bangke mayang mayang sendang hayla hotsa

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Beside of sitting position and body motion, hand gesture is very dominant in Saman dance. Because it has a function as a motion and music. Someone call it as "cerkop", both hands are coincide and directional. There is also "Cilok", motion of tip of forefinger that is seemed to take something like light objects (salt or something else). And "tepok" that is done in various position (horizontal / back and forth / or like propeller ). The head movement such as nodding in slow tempo or in fast tempo (anguk) and spinning head like propeller (girek) also several kinds of Saman motion. The diverse of all elements are adding the beauty and harmonism in motion of Saman dance

Because of Saman dance is played without music instruments, then as a retinue, hand and body are used. There are several ways to get those sounds as follow :

1. Pats of both hands. It's usually in medium tempo until fast tempo.

2. Pats of both palms into chest. It's usually in  fast tempo.

3. Pats of a palm into chest. It's usually in medium tempo.

4. Rubbing of a thumb with middle finger (kertip). Usually in medium tempo.

And the song of the dancers adds the dynamism of Saman dance. Where the way to sing the songs in Saman dance divided into 5 ways as follows :

1 Rengum, a roar that is begun by a "Pengangkat"

2 Dering, a regnum that is followed by all dancers.

3 Redet, a short song with short sound that is sung by a dancer in the middle part of the dance.

4 Syek, a song that is sung by a dancer with long and high sound frequency, it usually as a sign of changes in motion.

5 Saur, a song that is repeated together by all dancer after it's sung by solo dancer.

In ordinary show, Saman dance can be played by 10 to 12 dancer, however, the wholeness of Saman dance at least is supported by 15 to 17 dancer that has function as follows : 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

* Number 9 as "Pengangkat"

"Pengangkat" is the protagonist (sheikh in seudati) as a central point in Saman dance. "Pengangkat" determine dance motion, level of dance, poems that is spoken nor poems as a reply of opponent attacks (called as Saman Jalu in competition)

* Number 8 and 10 as Pengapit

"Pengapit" is a figure who help "Pengangkat" in dance motion nor in sing a song.

* Number 2 to 7 and 11 to 16 as "Penyepit"

"Penyepit" is ordinary dancer that support dance or dance motion that is directed by "Pengangkat". Beside as dancer also "penyepit" has a role to press (menghimpit in Indonesian). So, the density between the dancer always be maintained and then the dancers unite in banjar position (horizontal position) for the wholeness and motion uniformity. 

* Number 1 and17 as "Penupang"

"Penupang" is the dancers in the most left and right side from row dancer who sit horizontally. Beside has a role as a part of dance supporter also has a role to keep the wholeness of dance position. So, penupang also called as "penamat kerpe jejerum". 

In every shows, everything that mentioned above is synergized until it generate an awesome dance motion. So, the power of Saman dance isn't only situated in its poems but the compact motion make it perfect. It can be shown from the obedience of the dancers in playing their own roles.

For all of you who curious with Saman dance and its motion, you can watch "Saman dance" below. Enjoy it :D

Yap, that's all about the function of formation, kind of motion, the origins of musical accompaniment also the song in the show of Saman dance. May be useful for you in understanding Saman dance and Thankyou for your visit :)

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