Indonesia is rich in natural resources and a variety of culinary, as well as dance is another valuable wealth owned by this country. This time we will get to know more about the Welcome Dance, let’s see the article below.
History of Welcome Dance
Welcome dance is a traditional traditional dance originating from Papua. The welcome dance is performed by female and male dancers to welcome the arrival of guests of honor or important guests. This is intended as a friendly expression of a typical Papuan tribe.
From various sources, welcome dance has existed since ancient times which has been developed by tribes in Papua. The welcome dance has its own version and its own characteristics for each Tribe.
One of the welcome dances owned by the Arfak people who live in Manokwari is the Tumbu Tanah dance or Tumbu Tana Dance. This dance is also known as the snake dance that wraps its body around a tree. Tumbu tanah dance is usually performed to welcome important events, namely welcoming guests from outside the Arfak community, war victories, to wedding celebrations.
In addition, Tumbu Tanah Dance is also a praise of the Arfak people for nature. The dance is the identity of the Arfak people because all movements, formations, accompaniment songs, musical instruments and accessories in the Tumbu Tanah Dance are characteristic of the Arfak people that distinguish it from the dances of other tribes in the Papua region.
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Welcome Dance Movement
The welcome dance is performed by a group of female dancers whose movements begin with singing the rhythm in a row and forming a circular floor pattern.
Then, the dancers picked up the guests who came with head coverings and necklaces as a form of respect for them.
The dancer will then invite the guest to dance together until the dance is over as a sign that the guest is well received by the Papuan people.
While in the middle of the dance, male dancers will join the dance in a spinning motion while raising spears, arrows and moving other proud weapons of Papua.
The welcome dance movements tend to be simple, the dancer will look down, raise the knees to waist level, twist and coincide with the accompaniment of the hit-and-mortar tifa.
Dancers always believe that dances and chants performed with passion will bring positive energy to anyone who sees including guests who come.
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