LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 426
SEWANG DANCE
<p>The Sewang dance is one of the most well-known cultural traditions among the indigenous Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly the Mah Meri, Bateq, Semai, and Temiar tribes in Perak. Passed down through generations, this dance serves as a form of respect for nature and a ritualistic offering to supernatural beings. The performance of the Sewang dance varies according to the type of ritual being conducted. It encompasses several variations, including Sewang Chenchem, Gamok, Panoh, Penhei, Manjar, Pungei, Tanggei, Selombang, and many more.</p><div><br></div> ...
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MAK YONG (TERENGGANU)
<p>Mak Yong is a traditional performing art form originating from Kelantan, characterized by a unique blend of acting, singing, dancing, and music. In 2005, Mak Yong was recognized by UNESCO as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage practices. Mak Yong is deeply rooted in Malay culture, particularly in Kelantan, where it developed as both court entertainment and a form of local community expression.</p><p><br></p><p>Mak Yong performances showcase the refinement of Malay etiquette, graceful movements, and poetic language, reflecting the delicacy of Malay cultural heritage. Typically, all roles are played by women, except for the role of the caretaker, with the main character portrayed by the Pak Yong. Figure 1 illustrates a Mak Yong performance still practiced in rural villages.</p><p><br></p><p>Currently, the art of Mak Yong faces the threat of extinction due to several factors, including the oral transmission of knowledge, which requires a long period of time. Nevertheless, various initiatives such as training programs and performances have been undertaken to preserve this art form, ensuring that it remains an integral part of Malaysia's artistic and cultural identity. Mak Yong is not only a symbol of traditional heritage but also reflects the philosophy and refined soul of the Malay community.</p><p><br></p><p>Mak Yong stories are usually based on myths, legends, and ancient tales rich in magical elements and moral values. Among the popular stories often performed are Hikayat Dewa Muda, Anak Raja Gondang, Raja Tangkai Hati, Raja Besar Maha Gading, and Dewa Pechil. These stories narrate the journeys of kings, their struggles against evil forces, their search for love, and their adventures to achieve prosperity. The themes often convey life values such as loyalty, justice, and wisdom.</p><p><br></p><p>The characters in Mak Yong stories vary depending on the tale being told. Some of the prominent characters in Mak Yong include Pak Yong, Mak Yong, Peran, Inang, Tok Wak, Betara Guru, and giants (Gergasi).</p><p><br></p><p>Mak Yong is performed with musical accompaniment, and traditionally, only the Rebab, the gendang ibu and gendang anak (mother and child drums), and the gong were used during performances. However, over time, additional instruments such as the gedombak, canang, kesi, and geduk have been incorporated into the ensemble.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN ZAPIN SEBAT
<p>Zapin originated from the Zafana dance tradition of the Arabs from Hadramaut, South Arabia, brought to Malaysia through migration from Hadramaut. Through the process of Malay adaptation, Zapin Melayu refined its movements to align with the aesthetics of Southeast Asian culture. Consequently, five types of zapin dances emerged in Sarawak due to migration to the Borneo Archipelago: Sebat, Simanggang, Saratok, Sindang, and Kuching.</p><p><br></p><p>The dance is believed to have been created by the late Pak Baie Drahman, who was born in 1921 in Kampung Sebat Melayu. He began engaging in Malay cultural activities at the age of 20.</p><div><br></div> ...
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BELACAN
<p>Belacan is an essential ingredient in traditional Malay cuisine and several other Southeast Asian cultures, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It is a paste or block made from small shrimp (also known as krill), which are fermented and dried before being shaped into specific forms. The name "belacan" is believed to originate from ancient Malay, but it is also influenced by terms in Chinese and Hokkien dialects, such as "hae ko" (dried shrimp), referring to the main ingredient of belacan. In Indonesia, it is known as terasi, while in Thailand it is called kapi.</p><p><br></p><p>The production of belacan is thought to have begun centuries ago, when coastal communities sought ways to preserve their seafood catch, particularly small shrimp. Drying and fermentation were traditional methods used to extend the shelf life of seafood. In Malaysia, areas like Melaka, Penang, Kedah, and Sabah are renowned for producing high-quality belacan. In Melaka, the production of belacan is closely tied to traditional fishing communities operating along the coast.</p><div><br></div> ...
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BURASAK
<p>Burasak, also known as buras or burasa, is a traditional dish of the Bugis community made from rice cooked with coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves, and boiled until fully cooked. Resembling lontong, it has a richer flavour due to the use of coconut milk.</p><p>Burasak has been a staple of the Bugis people who settled in the Malay Peninsula since the 16th century, introduced by Bugis traders from the Sulawesi Islands in Indonesia. This dish was a preferred provision for Bugis traders during voyages as it could be stored for long periods.</p><p>In Johor, burasak is now a special delicacy served during festive celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha. The dish is simple yet wholesome, prepared using basic ingredients like rice, coconut milk, and salt, wrapped in banana leaves and tied with raffia string. Often paired with side dishes such as chicken rendang, it is a satisfying and complete meal.</p> ...
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TARIAN MODTOMU SUMIRID
<p>The Sumirid Dance is a traditional dance of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic community, specifically from the Dusun Liwan sub-group in the Kundasang area of the Ranau district in Sabah. This dance has a unique history, inspired by a significant event called Modtomu. Modtomu is a gathering of village or tribal leaders to resolve disputes, address community problems, or discuss important issues within their communities.</p><p><br></p><p>Sumirid refers to movements associated with the traditional process of separating rice grains from their stalks by stomping them with the feet, an activity known as Mongogik in the Dusun language. Before the advent of rice threshing machines, Mongogik was performed manually and was an essential method in rice processing. These movements later inspired the creation of the Sumirid Dance, which serves as a form of dance and a cultural symbol that preserves the traditional practices of the Dusun Liwan community.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIRAI
<p>Tarirai is a traditional dance popular among the Bajau Laut ethnic community in Semporna, Sabah. The uniqueness of this dance lies in the use of Bolak-Bolak, hand props made of short wooden sticks that are clapped together throughout the performance. The inclusion of Bolak-Bolak creates a distinctive auditory dimension, enriching both the visual and rhythmic elements of the dance.</p><p>The term “Tarirai” generally translates to "dancing quickly" in the Bajau Laut language, though for the Sikubung sub-ethnic group, it specifically means "jumping erratically." Thus, the dance is often interpreted as a rapid or swift performance characterized by hopping movements.</p><p>The origins of the Tarirai dance trace back to a historical incident involving a group of fishermen seeking their livelihood along the shore. Upon reaching a rocky area, one fisherman leapt in surprise after encountering a sea snake known as “Taliaga”. His startled reaction became a source of amusement for the other fishermen.</p><p>That evening, the fishermen shared the humorous incident with the villagers, imitating the startled jump for entertainment. The villagers later incorporated additional humorous elements and accompanied the imitation with Tangungguk music. Over time, the movements inspired by this event developed into the Tarirai dance, which continues to be celebrated and cherished as a cultural tradition.</p><div><br></div> ...
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REBANA (PERAK)
<p>The Rebana Perak is one of the most renowned traditional musical instruments in the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan, particularly along the banks of the Perak River, stretching from the Kuala Kangsar district to the southern region in Bagan Datoh district. The word Rebana originates from two Arabic words: Rab, which means "strike" or "beat," and Na, which means "us." Therefore, Rebana can be interpreted as "our beat" or "our strike."This instrument is often played during specific ceremonies and shares similarities with the kompang, especially in terms of the occasions in which it is performed.</p><div><br></div><div><div>However, there are several distinct differences between the Rebana Perak and the kompang, particularly in terms of size and materials used. The Rebana Perak is smaller in size compared to the kompang, with its striking surface made of buffalo or cowhide, unlike the kompang, which uses goatskin. Physically, the Rebana Perak has a round shape with a diameter ranging from 25 centimeters to 32 centimeters and a height of 11 centimeters to 14 centimeters. Its weight is also relatively significant, with some rebana weighing up to 4 kilograms each.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN ULE NUGAN
<p>The Tarian Ule Nugan is inspired by the activities involved in rice planting among the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak. It is a routine for the Orang Ulu people to prepare early in the morning before embarking on a journey by boat to their rice fields. Thus, male dancers in this performance usually carry a piece of wood resembling a penugal stick, commonly used for planting rice in highland areas.</p><p><br></p><p>During the rice planting process, while the men use the penugal stick, the women would strike the kerebo bulo, creating rhythmic sounds to ward off bad omens associated with certain bird calls. According to Orang Ulu legends, the sound produced by the kerebo bulo also serves to encourage and inspire the rice’s spirit to grow healthily and yield a good harvest. Beliefs, omens, and signs hold significant meaning in their daily lives as an agrarian society.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout the rice planting process, the Orang Ulu community helps one another with the task while socializing and sharing laughter to alleviate the exhaustion of work. The men also engage in hunting using blowpipes to gather food to bring back home. With all the daily activities of rice planting carried out successfully, the Orang Ulu farmers return home filled with joy and gratitude.</p><div><br></div> ...
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BANGSAWAN (KEDAH)
<p>Bangsawan theatre is one of the traditional performing arts originating in Southeast Asia and plays a significant role in Malaysia's cultural history. Bangsawan was initially influenced by Persian theatre known as Wayang Parsi, brought to Penang by traders and travelers from India in the late 19th century. Over time, this theatre style was adapted with local Malay cultural elements, making it a unique form of entertainment. A Bangsawan performance typically incorporates acting, singing, music, and dancing, blended into a dramatic theatrical production. Its stories often draw inspiration from Indian epics, Malay folklore, history, and fables rich in moral lessons.</p><p><br></p><p>The early history of Bangsawan theatre is linked to the establishment of theatre troupes such as Wayang Parsi by the Nawab family from India, which later evolved into the first Bangsawan troupe in Penang. Initially, Bangsawan gained immense popularity among urban communities due to its lively and opulent entertainment value. These performances featured elegant costumes, creative stage settings, and orchestral music combining traditional and Western instruments.</p><p><br></p><p>However, Bangsawan's popularity began to decline in the mid-20th century due to competition from modern media like radio, film, and television. Despite this, preservation efforts have been carried out by various parties, including the government, artists, and cultural institutions. Today, Bangsawan is still performed at certain cultural events and continues to be appreciated as a valuable part of Malaysia's cultural heritage.</p><p><br></p><p>The term Bangsawan was first used by Mamak Pushi. Rahmah Bujang was the first to identify Bangsawan as a traditional theatre, while Samat Salleh defined it as popular theatre. According to the Kamus Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Bangsawan also refers to the aristocratic class or royalty.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT ISTIADAT KERJA ATAU MENABAL
<p>The custom of working, also known as Menabal, is one of the important traditions in Malaysian society, especially in the context of reign and government. This ceremony is usually performed as an official ceremony in the Malaysian royal system to mark the recognition of someone as a ruler, king or state official. It symbolizes the transfer of power that is legitimate and approved by the people and the nobility. </p><p><br></p><p>The Menabal ceremony usually includes a special ceremony chaired by a religious figure or traditional leader, attended by state dignitaries, royalty, and commoners. This ceremonial process includes several important elements such as reading a prayer, placing a sign of service, as well as reciting the oath of the appointed person. The history of this custom was inherited from the time of the traditional Malay Kingdom, where Menabal was considered a tool for asserting leadership in terms of custom and religion. In addition to certifying the right to rule, this ceremony also plays an important role in maintaining the stability and social structure of the community through honoring the customs of the ancestors.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ALAT MUZIK TOGUNGGAK
<p>Togunggak or Togunggu' is a type of traditional bamboo-based musical instrument that is popular among the Momogun ethnic group in Sabah, such as the Dusun, Kadazan, Kadazan-Dusun, and Rungus. For the Murut ethnic group, it is known as Tagunggak. This musical instrument belongs to the idiophone category, like the Angklung musical instrument, which produces sound through the vibration of its entire body when tapped. It is made of bamboo rods that are cut to a certain size and designed to produce various sounds depending on the thickness, length, and diameter of the bamboo.</p><p><br></p><p>As an idiophone musical instrument, the Togunggak sound is produced when the surface of the bamboo is struck with a mallet, triggering vibrations that produce a specific tone. The number of rods in a set varies depending on ethnic tradition and performance context. Here, small sets usually consist of 6 to 12 rods (Togunggak), while large sets, such as the Murut Togunggak, can reach up to 30 rods (Peter, 2017). The Togunggak uses at least two or three large porings (Gigantochloa Levis) bamboo segments that act as bass to produce a large sound when struck. Each rod has a specific melodic and rhythmic function, allowing it to be played harmoniously in large ensembles to produce complex musical patterns.</p><p><br></p> ...
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