West Papua has the origin tribe, namely Arfak. Its location is in Warmare District, near the Arfak Mountains. That’s why this tribe has the same name as the mountain nearby.
Amid the modern era, Arfak still holds their customs, one of which is the wedding ceremony. The wedding procession is unique and different from the other tribes. It can be attractive for tourists, especially those who want to learn about West Papuans culture.
The Arfak Tribe`s Wedding Procession
The indigenous people of Arfak Tribe start their wedding tradition with The Magasa Dance. A dance that symbolises the unity and togetherness of society.
This dance is performed while singing and using traditional clothes and weapons. They do this dance en masse. This dance starts from the men`s side, walking toward the women’s side. The bride also does the same in welcoming the groom.
When the men`s side arrives at the bride’s house, the bride’s mother will confront him with a weapon. The house door will only be opened if the groom has given the dowry.
The dowry is in the form of cloth from the east, a typical Papuan woven cloth that has been passed down from generation to generation from the male family.
In addition, the dowry is also in the form of beads, hanging plates, dinner plates, jars, cash and pigs.
The procession of handing over the dowry is also accompanied by the payment of property to the bride’s parents. This symbolises the honour and respect of the mother to her child until a man proposes it.
If all of these processes have been performed and accepted by the women’s side, the wedding party begins. The music and eating together become the accompaniment of this wedding ceremony.
Then the bride will be carried out to the groom’s house directly, and this couple is legal as husband and wife.
What is Magasa Dance?
Magasa Dance is a typical dance of the Arfak tribal community. This dance is a welcoming dance. It is often used for various occasions, especially wedding ceremonies.
This dance is performed by forming a line. The positions between men and women are arranged alternately. And then, they tightly join their hands and move, snaking precisely like a snake. That’s why this dance is also called Snake Dance.
The traditional men’s wear is not too different from women’s. Men wear loincloths and are shirtless. They also cover their heads with accessories made of Cassowary Feathers or The Bird of Paradise Feathers. They look dashing with weapons in their hands.
While the women wear a kind of sarong and cover their bodies from the chest to the calves, they also put on the Sago Palm leaves and beautiful natural flowers on their hair.
Magasa Dance tells about the victory that the Arfak tribe achieved in the war they did. They rejoice that they had succeeded united in the fight.
The detailed movement of the dance clearly describes the unity and respect for every difference. This dance depicts the harmony that the people of Arfak have in their daily life.
West Papua has many tribes, many cultures that they still hold tight. Even in the modern era, they still do traditional ceremonies in every event. This can attract tourists, especially foreign tourists, to travel and learn about West Papua’s culture.
As Indonesian people, it is fitting to support this as a highly cultured nation.
