LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 423
TARIAN BUBU MENARI
<p>Tarian Bubu, also known as Lukah Menari, is an extraordinary folk dances of Perak. It is known so since the dancers hold a bubu or lukah when dancing. A bubu is a tool to catch fish in the Malaysian and Vietnam rivers. </p><p><br></p><p>The origin of this dance is shrouded in myth. For one, an extraordinary story, as such a favourite, tells about three young men who lost their way in the forest while catching fish (with a bubu) in the river. They rested under a tree and heard a girl singing on a nearby tree. So, they approached the girl and asked how to get out of the forest. The mysterious girl kindly helped them find their way back home</p><p><br></p><p>So, in appreciation of her, they made a bubu with the girl's clothes to remember their mystifying but sweet encounter. They took a coconut shell to make ‘her’ head and face. Then, holding the bubu, they sang the song sung by the girl. In awe at what they saw and appreciating the girls’ kindness, the villagers imitated the three men’s play-acting that it eventually became a heritage dance. </p><p><br></p><p>At present, the original tarian bubu is still performed but with a slight variation to suit the current community’s interest, outlook and preference.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN MELENGGOK
<p>The Melenggok dance is a traditional dance for the Cocos community, which is an ethnic minority in Sabah who mostly live in Tawau and Lahad Datu districts. According to history, this dance originates from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia, which has a long history of migration and close ties with the local community in Sabah in the early 20th century (Romtie et al., 2021). This dance is specifically danced by male dancers only with the act of 'Melenggok', which means 'swaying' or 'twisting' the body inspired by the movement of birds on the coast. This is accompanied by Silat movement elements at the beginning of the performance as well as a combination of the dance moves of Cocos, who stomp their feet while clapping their hands.</p> ...
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BUAH ENGKALA
<p>The engkalak fruit, or its scientific name Litsea Garciae, belongs to the avocado family. Like rambutan, durian, and dabai, engkalak is a seasonal fruit. This fruit is most commonly found in the state of Sarawak and not in Peninsular Malaysia. Engkalak fruit is only served when it is fully ripe and pink in colour. Younger, unripe fruits are typically green and can also be made into pickles. The tree takes about four or five years to start flowering and producing fruit. During the fruiting season, engkalak can be easily found at markets or fruit stalls by the roadside.</p> ...
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CANGGUNG DANCE
<p>Canggung Dance is one of the traditional dance forms that represents the cultural identity of Perlis, Malaysia. This dance is unique for its performance style, which features an exchange of pantun (Malay poetic verses) sung between male and female performers. The origins of Canggung Dance are closely linked to the influences of Rambong or Makyong Laut dances, which were later adapted by the local community in Perlis to create what is now known as Canggung. Etymologically, the word Canggung is believed to have derived from the Thai word Tanggung, meaning "to dance", reflecting regional cultural influences in its development.</p><p>Canggung Dance was first actively introduced during the Japanese occupation around 1941. Its earliest performances were presented by two siblings, Che Lian and Che Intan, who became pioneers in spreading and popularizing this dance among the people of Perlis. Since then, Canggung Dance has continued to flourish as a form of folk entertainment, commonly performed at social gatherings such as feasts, weddings, and post-harvest celebrations.</p><p>Although it shares similarities with other forms of Malay folk dances, such as Ronggeng, Canggung Dance maintains its distinct characteristics, especially through its exchange of pantun between male and female dancers. The pantun often carries themes of advice, playful teasing, and light-hearted satire, reflecting the refinement and wisdom of the Malay community. Today, Canggung Dance continues to be preserved and performed at various cultural events and festivals and is recognized as an important element of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage, particularly cherished by the people of Perlis.</p><div><br></div><p></p> ...
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AKOK
<p>Kuih Akok is one of the most popular traditional desserts in the East Coast states of Malaysia, particularly in Kelantan and Terengganu. This kuih (dessert) is renowned for its rich sweetness, coconut aroma, and golden-yellow color. Akok is a symbol of cultural and heritage pride for the Malay community, with its preparation emphasizing the use of local ingredients.</p><p><br></p><p>Origin of Kuih Akok</p><p>Name and Origin</p><p>Kuih Akok is believed to have originated in Kelantan and Terengganu, with various stories about its beginnings. The name "Akok" might derive from the Malay word "Akok," which refers to its shape resembling a "rock" or "supporting structure."</p><p>Traditionally, this kuih is prepared in small cup-like shapes using molds, giving it its unique appearance.</p><p>History of Kuih Akok</p><p>Kuih Akok is believed to have existed since the era of the Malay Sultanates on the East Coast. Initially, it was prepared as a special dish for celebrations and feasts.</p><p>Over time, it became a staple at various occasions such as Eid celebrations, communal feasts (kenduri), and large family gatherings.</p><p>Cultural Influence</p><p>This kuih reflects the rich culinary heritage of the East Coast Malay culture, which is renowned for its use of natural ingredients like eggs, coconut milk, palm sugar, and rice flour. It embodies the diversity of traditional Malay cuisine, emphasizing the use of local resources.</p><div><br></div><div><div>Characteristics of Kuih Akok</div><div>Shape:</div><div>Kuih Akok is usually small and oval-shaped.</div><div>Taste:</div><div>This kuih has a rich sweetness from palm sugar, complemented by the creamy richness of coconut milk. The combination of sweet and creamy flavors makes it highly favored.</div><div>Texture:</div><div>The texture of Kuih Akok is soft, chewy, and creamy, owing to the use of coconut milk and eggs in its preparation.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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MADUPPA BURASAK DANCE
<p>The Maduppa Busarak dance is a traditional performance art of the Bugis ethnic community, originating from Pontian, Johor. This dance serves as a symbolic gesture of respect and honour towards distinguished guests, embodying the core values of hospitality and cordiality inherent in Bugis cultural practices. The name of the dance is derived from two key terms: Maduppa, signifying ‘to invite’ or ‘to welcome,’ and Busarak, referring to a serving tray embellished with a small, ornate cover.</p><p><br></p><p>The dance was first introduced by Hajah Indok Chichuk Daing Hadadek, a prominent cultural figure from Kampung Sungai Kuali, Kukup, Pontian. Her significant contributions have cemented the Maduppa Busarak dance as an integral component of the cultural heritage in Johor.</p><div><br></div> ...
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SAZAU PAPAR
<p>Sazau is a traditional dance inherited by the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic community from the Papar district, which is mostly inhabited by the Dusun Papar ethnic tribe. The name ‘Sazau’ means ‘dancing’ where this terminology is often associated with words from the act of dancing such as ‘Kasasaazau’ (just dancing), ‘Kasazau’ (able to dance), ‘Kopisazau’ (can dance together), ‘Nakasazau’ (dancing together with), ‘Nokopisazau’ (have danced together with) and ‘Sansazau-Sazau’ (all are dancing) (Kadazan Dusun Malay-English Dictionary, 1995).</p><p><br></p><p>The history of Sazau is closely linked to the agricultural life and agrarian culture of the Dusun community in the Papar district. This dance is a symbol of a local culture rich in traditional values, reflecting the lifestyle of the community that lives in harmony with the environment. As a sign of favor and gratitude, this dance is performed in all traditional ceremonies, especially in the Madsuwau Ceremony, the Monogit Ceremony and the Gumazad Ceremony. In addition, it is also often performed in traditional festivals and social gatherings.</p> ...
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THE ‘BERASIK’ DANCE IN THE TRADITIONAL HEALING PRACTICE OF THE BISAYA ETHNIC GROUP
<p>The Berasik dance is part of the traditional healing practices of the Bisaya</p><p>community in Beaufort, Sabah. It is a ritual performed to expel disturbances caused</p><p>by spirits believed to be the source of illness or affliction in individuals. The</p><p>ceremony is led by a shaman known as the babalian, who plays a central role in the</p><p>healing process. This dance is not merely a physical performance but also involves</p><p>the chanting of incantations, the use of specific musical instruments, and ritual</p><p>objects to summon spirits and restore the patient&#39;s spiritual balance.</p><p>The Bisaya community believes that certain illnesses are caused by disturbances</p><p>from the spirits of the deceased or supernatural beings known as mitogom. Thus,</p><p>the Berasik dance is not simply a cultural performance but carries deep spiritual</p><p>significance, whereby the babalian interacts with the supernatural realm to heal the</p><p>afflicted. Typically, the ritual practitioner moves in circular motions around a</p><p>structure called the Sokuban, a tall shrine suspended from the roof to the floor of</p><p>the house. The Sokuban is decorated with leaves collected from burial grounds,</p><p>various types of flowers such as paper flowers, cempaka, and melur, as well as</p><p>mayang pinang (areca palm blossom). These decorative elements are believed to</p><p>serve as places where the spirits can dwell or cling to during the ritual. As the</p><p>ceremony begins, the dancers perform the Berasik dance in circular motion around the Sokuban, as a form of veneration and invocation of the spirits involved.</p> ...
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MUZIK DABUS
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align: justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">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.</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align: justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align: justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">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.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div> ...
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TARIAN PIRING
<p>The migration of the Minangkabau community to Negeri Sembilan has brought together their cultural heritage, including traditional arts such as the Piring Dance. In the Minangkabau culture, this dance is also known as Tari Piring. It is a dance art belonging to the Minangkabau community that is still practiced by the people of Negeri Sembilan. This Piring Dance is believed to have been brought by the Minangkabau community from West Sumatra when they moved to Negeri Sembilan.</p><p>Since then, the Piring Dance has been accepted as part of customs, especially in ceremonies that involve competition and wedding ceremonies in the Negeri Sembilan community. This dance plays an important role in Malay wedding traditions in Negeri Sembilan. To ensure the continuity of this heritage, Piring Dance was recognized as a National Heritage by the National Heritage Department in 2015.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM BRUNEI: ADAT PERTUNANGAN
<p>In going to the realm of marriage, the Bruneian ethnic community in the state of Sabah has customary procedures and processes that need to be carried out starting from the surveying process up to the bersanding ceremony. However, one of the most important components towards the process is the custom of engagement. The engagement process is a custom full of symbolism and procedures.</p><p><br></p><p>Before the engagement custom is carried out, visits to the girl's house for engagement matters are usually done many times. It starts with the implementation of the custom of surveying which means to investigate more closely about the status of a woman whether she already has or otherwise. After having a positive response, the man will visit the girl's house again to do the second process which is the 'Bajarum' custom, which means proposing and building a word of agreement and an agreement to carry out the customary engagement ceremony. Both of these processes will be carried out first so that the engagement customs planned by both parties go smoothly without any objections.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN MASRI KERCING
<p>The Masri Kercing Dance is a traditional Malay dance originating from Malaysia, often performed during celebrations or official events. This dance is closely associated with the Malay communities in Selangor and some areas in Pahang. The Masri Kercing Dance is known for its graceful, joyful, and harmonious movements. The term "Masri" refers to a traditional Malay dance created for entertainment purposes and to accompany traditional music.</p><p><br></p><p>Masri Kercing is a variation of the Masri dance, differing in style and movements. The word "Kercing" refers to the spinning and running foot movements characteristic of this dance. It is more dynamic and energetic compared to the more relaxed traditional Masri dance. This dance is typically performed by a group of dancers dressed in traditional attire, communicating through coordinated foot and hand movements.</p><p><br></p><p>The main movements in the Masri Kercing Dance involve quick and spinning footwork, reflecting the rhythm of the accompanying music. Dancers often move in circular formations, showcasing harmony among the performers. The dance emphasizes smooth and organized body movements, with hands raised or gesturing in sync with the rhythm.</p><div><br></div> ...
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