The ‘ngajat’(12) dance originated from the Iban community
and has been passed down from generation to generation. No one knows clearly
when the dance was composed or spread throughout Sarawak or Sabah. However,
some of them believe that this dance have been in existence along with the Iban
tribe since the 16th Century. This dance is usually performed during Gawai
Kenyalang or 'Hornbill Festival'.
Apparently the most fearsome of Sarawak's headhunters, the
tribe's victorious warriors were traditionally celebrated in this elaborate
festival. Wearing an elaborate headdress and holding an ornate long shield, the
male warrior dancer performs dramatic jumps throughout this spellbinding dance.
After the dance gained popularity, performances were not confined to the ruai
but held in open spaces or halls for public viewing.
The male dancers wear large feathers as part of their
headgear, hold an ornate and long shield in their hand with chains, beads and a
loincloth called the ‘cawat’. The female dancers have an elaborate headdress,
chains, beads and a ‘dress’ that reaches to below their knees with intricate
weaving. Traditionally this dance was only performed by male dancers but not
anymore.
There are several types of ngajat or ‘ajat’:
Ø Ngajat Induk
Ø Ngajat Bebunoh
Ø Ngajat Lesong
Ø Ngajat Semain
No comments:
Post a Comment