INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY

Like Awang Batil, Tok Selampit is also a title for another traditional storyteller in the states of Perlis and Kelantan. A penglipur lara is a title given to a storyteller in Malay oral literature. They are considered cultural figures who serve as sources of stories, news, entertainment, and education for the local community. The penglipur lara plays a role in delivering moral stories that are interspersed with humor, guidance, teachings, and more, accompanied by music, acting, singing, and incorporating traditional literary elements such as syair (poetry), pantun (rhymed verses), and others.

There are some differences between selampit in Perlis and Kelantan. In Perlis, Tok Selampit uses incense smoke as part of the performance, while in Kelantan, Tok Selampit uses the rebab (a string instrument) as the musical accompaniment. Like Awang Batil, Tok Selampit travels from village to village to perform his stories, especially at homes hosting wedding ceremonies. Typically, the storyteller would perform in the hall or center of the house, surrounded by the audience. The stories are long, serial, and continue over several nights. During the storytelling, incense is burned, and the smoke rises in front of the storyteller, signaling that the selampit performance is taking place. Without the incense smoke, the story would be interrupted.

Functions and Roles