PAPUAAROUND — Papua traditional dance has one unique characteristic. Papua traditional dance is very famous throughout Indonesia. Papua traditional dance is characterized by dynamic, energetic, and passionate movements. For example, in a Papua dance there must be a movement of playing feet and jumping.
Papua has various dozens of traditional dances. Each dance has a deep story and meaning. These dances also have different purposes ranging from dance as a welcome, entertainment, or sacred dance as an exorcist of evil spirits.
This article will discuss 5 names of traditional dances that are very famous in Papua and a brief discussion. Well, what are the dances? Come on, let’s discuss in full below.
Also read : Get to know the Welcome Dance, Check It Out!
1. Sajojo Traditional Dance
The origin of Sajojo Dance is not known for certain. But according to history, this dance has existed since the 1990s. Sajojo dance is taken from the name of the song, the Sajojo song. The Sajojo song tells the story of a beautiful woman in the village and is coveted by many men.
Although this dance does not have the same meaning as the content of the Sajojo song, the movements are full of joy following the theme of the Sajojo song. Sajojo dance is usually performed at various events, such as traditional, cultural, or entertainment events.
2. Suanggi Traditional Dance
Suanggi Dance is a traditional dance originating from western Papua. This dance has a magical nuance because it tells the story of a husband who was left for dead by his wife because his wife became a victim of anggi-anggi or trance.
Then the wife becomes gentayangan. Therefore, the husband performed a ritual with the aim of praying for his wife to calm down and not disturb the local residents. This background is the inspiration for the creation of Suanggi Dance.
3. Musyoh Traditional Dance
Musyoh Dance is a traditional dance that is considered sacred by the Papua people. The reason is, this dance is similar to Suanggi Dance, which both aim to calm the spirits of indigenous tribes who died due to accidents. Because the Papua people realize that if someone dies from an accident, then the spirit is not calm.
Musyoh dance is usually danced by a group of men. The property or tool used is a musical instrument similar to a drum called Tifa.
4. Traditional Welcome Dance
Well, the Welcome Dance is one of the most famous traditional dances of West Papua. This dance is always used to welcome the arrival of large guests or honored guests in Papua.
Even in formal and non-formal events Welcome Dance is often performed.
Welcome Dance can be performed by female and male dancers. This dance is one of the pride of the people of West Papua because it has energetic movements and contains aesthetic values in it.
Traditional Welcome Dance must dance with energy, enthusiasm, and joy so that it looks attractive.
5. Awaijale Rilejale Traditional Dance
Awaijale Rilejale Traditional Dance comes from the Sentani Tribe of West Papua. This traditional dance depicts the natural beauty of Lake Sentani at dusk, when residents return from work by boat.
The dancers consist of a combined group of men and women.
The costume is called Pea Malo, made of genemo tree fiber, bark, and sago leaves, and dancers are equipped with hamboni jewelry or beaded necklaces as accessories.
Also read : History and Movement of Sajojo Dance
