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KANJET
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Introduction and history
In the Kenyah language, which is one of the Orang Ulu ethnic groups in Sarawak, Kanjet means dance. Thus, Kanjet is a dance closely associated with the Kenyah community. Besides Kanjet, this dance is also referred to as Tuut, Saga Ngarang, or Nyivan in the Kayan-Kenyah language. In short, all these terms refer to the same meaning, which is dance or dancing.
Kanjet can be performed for various purposes and occasions, including ritual ceremonies, welcoming events, or simply as entertainment. This dance features graceful movements that showcase elegance and harmonious qualities, as well as being poised and unique. Its movements are characterized by balance and beauty, especially in expressing heroism and harmony in the daily life of the ethnic group.
Kanjet was born and developed through the cultural history of the Orang Ulu community, which practiced headhunting or mengayau. This dance is also strongly influenced by natural phenomena, beliefs in dreams, and elements of traditional belief systems. For instance, ceremonies held before and after mengayau have given rise to dance movements depicting the agility and dexterity of warriors during the act of headhunting. As a result, male dancers often display agility, vigor, and bravery during the performance, while female dancers emphasize gracefulness and delicacy in their movements.
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The costume for male dancers is traditional warrior attire made from selected animal skins. During the Kanjet performance, they also wear a warrior’s hat adorned with beads, accompanied by a machete, a war shield, and a mat. The costume for female dancers consists of a blouse, sarong, and shawl decorated with traditional motifs of the Orang Ulu community. Female dancers are also accessorized with a hat, bead necklaces, bracelets, belts, long ear ornaments, and necklaces made from the feathers of the hornbill’s tail.
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This dance is performed in various styles, choreographies, situations, and locations. Kanjet is often performed by six to eight female dancers. Overall, there are 15 types of traditional Kanjet dances, which can be performed solo, in groups, or as duets by male and female dancers.
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Reference Source
Jeffery Jalong (2012). Kanjet: Seni Tarian Tradisional Orang Ulu Sarawak. Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara. Kuala Lumpur
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Encik Boniface Anak Babai
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sarawak
Tingkat 5 Bangunan Sultan Iskandar,
Jalan Simpang Tiga,
93000, Kuching,
SARAWAK
019-2399682/082-422006
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