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TARIAN KUDA PASU
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Introduction and history
Kuda Pasu, also known as Kuda Pacu, is a traditional dance popular among the Bajau Samah ethnic community in Kota Belud. Translating to "racing horse," this dance was first introduced in 1975 by Jeffery bin Oleh, a prominent figure in the traditional performing arts of the Bajau Samah community. To this day, Kuda Pasu continues to be performed at various celebrations and has been recognised as a traditional dance of this ethnic group.
According to its historical origins, this dance was inspired by horse riders' skills to welcome royal family members. In traditional Bajau Samah weddings, horses were often used to transport the groom's entourage to the bride's home. This practice symbolised the groom's heroism and valour on his wedding day and represented strength and status within the community. Consequently, the movements of men riding and handling horses became the foundation for the creation of this dance.
Traditionally, the Kuda Pasu dance was performed to welcome or accompany the groom and his entourage upon their arrival at the bride’s home. The bride’s family joyfully received the groom, with the occasion marked by this celebratory performance. Over time, however, the dance has evolved, now serving various purposes. It is a welcoming dance for dignitaries, a cultural highlight during festive celebrations such as the Tamu Besar Kota Belud, and an iconic feature at official events. This evolution underscores the dance’s significant role in promoting the cultural identity and traditional heritage of the Bajau Samah ethnic community. By serving as a medium to share their artistic traditions, the Kuda Pasu dance has reached broader audiences, both nationally and internationally.
The attire worn by female dancers is called the Sinipak, a traditional costume characterised by sleeves with slits extending to the elbows. This ensemble comprises a Blaus Badu Sampit blouse paired with a sarong known as Olos Berangkit. To enhance their appearance, the dancers wear a necklace called Mandapun and a golden metal headdress resembling buffalo horns, referred to as Timpak. Around their waists, they adorn a decorative belt called Sampitan, intricately crafted from brass or aluminium and featuring an elastic waistband approximately three inches wide. During the performance, the dancers carry satin handkerchiefs, which they wave or swing gracefully, adding elegance and dynamism to the routine.
Male dancers wear traditional attire comprising a Cekak Musang-style shirt paired with trousers, a samping (waistcloth), and a tanjak (headgear) fashioned from dastar fabric to complete their ensemble. The traditional male costume is divided into two categories. When the dancers wear the Sinipak attire, which features sleeves with slits extending to the elbows, they are adorned with the Mandapun accessory. Alternatively, if the Sinipak is not part of the costume, the Mandapun is substituted with a dastar fabric shawl draped over the dancer’s shoulder. Like their female counterparts, male dancers also wear the Sampitan, a decorative belt crafted similarly from brass or aluminium.
Reference Source
Chan, A. H., & Saearani, M. F. T. (2020). The Invention of Kuda Pasu as Performing Arts–Dance among the Bajau-Sama in Kota Belud, Sabah. Sciences, 10(7), 406-412.
Hussin, H. (2023). Ritual Dance and Performance in Contemporary Borneo: A Study of the Kadazan and Sama-Bajau Communities of Sabah, Malaysia. In Performing Arts Conference (p. 154).
Jubilado, R. C. (2010). On cultural fluidity: The Sama-Bajau of the Sulu-Sulawesi seas. Kunapipi, 32(1), 10. http://eprints.um.edu.my/13460/
Nor, M. A. M., & Hussin, H. (2019). Gendering Dance, Gazing Music: Dance Movements, Healing Rituals and Music Making of Sama Bajau and Sama Dilaut of East Malaysia and Southern Philippines. SAMUDERA-Journal of Maritime and Coastal Studies, 1(1), 75-91.
Saat, G. (2003). The identity and social mobility of Sama-Bajau. Sari, 21(1), 3-11.
Saidatul Nornis Hj. Mahali. (2012). Siri Etnik Sabah ITMB-UMS: Bajau Pantai Barat. Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur.
Saidatul Nornis. (2018). Ngalai: Ritual Penyembuhan dalam Kalangan Orang Bajau di Kota Belud, Sabah. Akademika 88(3), 101-112. doi: 10.17576/akad-2018-8803-09.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Encik Hassanal Redzuan
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sabah
Kompleks JKKN Sabah,
Jalan Tasik off KM4 Jalan Penampang,
88200 Kota Kinabalu
SABAH
088-205070
