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TARIAN ZAPIN ARAB
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Introduction and history
Arab Zapin, also referred to as zaffin, is the original form of the zapin dance brought to the Malay Archipelago by Arab traders and missionaries from Hadramaut, Yemen, during the 15th and 16th centuries. Initially, this dance was performed as court entertainment and served as a medium for Islamic proselytisation (dakwah). Arab Zapin is characterised by swift and simple footwork, strongly influenced by Arab culture. It is an integral part of the gambus (lute) traditions of Arab communities in Malaysia. This gambus-centred tradition includes zaffin, sarah, and samrah, typically beginning with a melodic improvisation known as Taqsim or Taqasim, performed on the gambus.
Arab Zapin serves as entertainment during celebratory occasions and religious ceremonies. It also functions as a medium for dakwah, conveying moral messages and Islamic values through song lyrics and dance movements. Additionally, it strengthens social bonds within the community and preserves the Arab cultural heritage within the Malay society.
Male dancers in Arab Zapin typically wear traditional robes (jubah) or formal attire suitable for attending weddings. This attire reflects a cultural assimilation of Arab and Malay traditions, emphasising modesty and the elegance of traditional art forms.
Arab Zapin performances are accompanied by traditional musical instruments, including:
Gambus (lute): A plucked instrument providing the main melody.
Marwas (small drum): A percussion instrument that delivers dynamic rhythms.
Arab Zapin features fast footwork with minimal ornamental movements. The dance is typically performed in pairs or groups, focusing on synchronisation between the movements and the rhythm of the music. The performance begins with an opening sequence, followed by variations of steps, and concludes with a closing movement known as wainab.
Arab Zapin has been championed by Arab communities in Malaysia, particularly in Johor, who have played a significant role in preserving and promoting this dance. Their efforts have ensured the continuity of Arab Zapin as a valuable cultural heritage. The dance has received recognition at arts festivals and cultural programmes, highlighting its uniqueness as a Malay cultural identity influenced by Arab elements.
Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan
Hidajat, R., Suyono, J., Sayono, J., Hasyimy, M. A., Syahputri, D. R., Iskandar, S. A., Ismail, I. E., & Mohd Isa, N. (2021). Tafsir Tari Zapin Arab dan Melayu dalam Masyarakat Melayu [Tafsir Arabic and Malay Zapin Dance in Malay Society]. Journal of Education, Humaniora and Social Sciences (JEHSS), 4(2), 1266–1273. https://doi.org/10.34007/jehss.v4i2.935
Yousof, G.-S. (Ed.). (1998). The Encyclopedia of Malaysia: Performing arts (Vol. 7). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Archipelago Press.
Triyani, R., Masunah, J., & Nugraheni, T. (2021, February). The Uniqueness of Malay Zapin Dance Choreography. In 3rd International Conference on Arts and Design Education (ICADE 2020) (pp. 101-103). Atlantis Press.
Nor, M. A. M. (2024). Istana, Desa, Tariqah: Inter-court Relations of Zapin in the Malay Sultanates of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Brill’s Southeast Asian Library, 77.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Puan Nor Hafizah Hassan
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Johor
Aras 6 Kiri, Wisma PERKESO
No 26, Jalan Susur 5
Off Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Larkin
80200 Johor Bahru
JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
07-224 8270 / 223 1249
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