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Introduction and history

Dabus dance is a traditional dance art full of cultural and historical elements. Although its origins cannot be ascertained precisely, it is believed to have existed since the reign of Caliph Zainal Abidin and is considered entertainment among the Muslim community. This dance was developed as a reaction to conflicts between certain clans, with the aim of scaring the enemy. Initially, it was associated with the followers of Saidina Ali and had an element of violence, where the dancers were considered capable of holding firearms. Over time, the extreme elements were removed, but the Dabus Dance remains a treasure of Malay and Islamic culture that reflects the feelings and complex historical background of the time.


Music in the Dabus game plays an important role in accompanying the movement and spirit of the players. In the Perak Dabus group in the 1970s, music was produced by a group of instrumentalists accompanying 22 Dabus players. Each performance is led by a caliph who is responsible for the safety of the players. The caliph would usually smoke and sprinkle the players as a ritual preparation before the performance began. Dabus music is not just entertainment but also reinforces the element of heroism and bravery in the Dabus game, which was originally a martial art.


Functions and Roles

Here are the three roles of music in the Dabus game:

Accompanying Dance Movements: Dabus's music provides rhythm and tempo that guides the movements of the players, ensuring uniformity and coherence in the performance.

Enhancing Spirit and Courage: The music serves to lift the player's spirits, highlighting the elements of heroism, courage, and agility that are the foundation of Dabus's art.

Safety Ritual: Music is played as part of a preparatory ritual, where the group leader (caliph) smokes and sprinkles the players before starting the performance, believed to be for protection and safety.


Traditional Attire/ Accessories

Here is how Dabus musicians wear their shirts:

Baju Melayu or Baju Kurung: Traditional clothing that symbolizes Malay culture.

Scarf or Tengkolok: Worn on the head as a symbol of custom and tradition.

Kain Samping or Kain Songket: Worn at the waist to add traditional elements and elegance.

Additional Accessories: Such as small daggers or belts, symbolizing heroism and traditional characteristics.


Equipment/ Ingredients


Method / Preparation Method / Presentation Method


Figures and Achievements


Reference Source

Bahan Bacaan: 

I. Abdul Kadir, Z. (2018). Tarian Dabus, Rebana & Busana Puteri Perak: Warisan Penanda Kepahlawanan Anak Negeri. Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia, Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Perak: Jabatan Kebudayaan Dan Kesenian Negara

Ii. Danish Fakhrusy Syakirin Hishamuddin (2024) Sejarah Kedatangan Tarian Dabus Di Kampung Tanjung Bidara, Batu Gajah, Perak Dan Tatacara Tarian Dabus. Final Year Project Thesis, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. (Submitted)

Iii. Mohd Azam Sulong, Zaharul Lailiddin Saidon, Nor Shuradi Nor Hashim Fakulti Muzik Dan Seni Persembahan, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.  Malaysian Music Journal Vol. 2, Num. 1 (72-105) Issn 2232-1020

Iv. Rozimah Bidin. (2024). Pengaruh Alam Dalam Ungkapan Lagu Dabus. Idealogy 2. Jurnal Seni Dan Budaya. Uitm. Cawangan Perak. Https://Ir.Uitm.Edu.My/Id/Eprint/33484/1/33484.Pdf

Location

Informant/Figure/Editor/Researcher
  • Mat Rosnan Bin Hashim
  • Kumpulan Kesenian Tarian Dabus Kampung Tg. Bidara. Pulau Tiga Kampung Gajah, Perak DR.
Get Directions

State JKKN Contact Information

Ahmad Zaimy bin Mohd Yusoff

Cultural Officer

Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Selangor
Tingkat 6, Menara Korporat, Kompleks IDCC Shah Alam Jalan Pahat L 15/L, Seksyen 15 40200 Shah Alam, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN

03-5543 1654 /1763

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