The land of Papua is known to be rich in traditions and culture. This is because there are various tribes living there. So, it creates a lot of cultural heritage, such as traditional dance. In fact, in Papua, there are many traditional dances that exist. One of them is probably the Orok Dance.
It is one of the traditional dances of South Sorong Regency. To be precise, it comes from the Tehit Tribe who lives in Sawiat District. For the people of Tehit Tribe, this dance has a high value. It is because there is a long history associated with this dance. So, here is the history behind the Orok Dance!
The Story behind the Orok Dance
Basically, Orok is the dance that is closely related wuon or wofle traditional education. At that time, they can only perform the dance at the time of admission or entry of students. Then, in mid-education and inauguration handover the students to their parents.
So, in the past, this dance could not be done haphazardly. You can only see it during these ceremonies. The people who dance to it also are not random people. Only parents, relatives of students, and also people who have graduated from education can do it.
Then, the origin of Orok Dance is when Semit Bolo Majefak, the ancestor of the Tehit Tribe, created Orok songs. Usually, the song is inspired by the circumstances and also natural conditions at that time—for example, the chirping of birds, or dawn in the morning.
But now, after the education of wuon and wofle no longer exists, there is a shift in the verses of the songs. In the past, the verses contain praises to nature, the spirits of ancestors, mountains, and to God. Then, it contains the process of the wuon education process and the greatness of the teacher.
But, for now, it contains politics, economy, gratitude for the marriage process. This is because there is a shift in the purpose of Orok Dance. Now, you can see Orok when it is performed during some traditional ceremonies, during weddings, and during welcoming important guests.
The Formation and Movement of the Orok Dance
In the past, when Semit Bolo Majefak wrote the Orok songs, the children were taught to stomp their feet to the rhythm of the song. So, that became the basic movement of Orok Dance. There is no sound of musical instruments that accompanies this dance. Enough with the singing voice of the Orok songs.
Worok is the name of the dancer who performs this dance. While the one who sings the song is the leader of the dancers. When the singer sings the Orok songs, the Worok will answer and sing along with them.
Sometimes, the audience will also sing along, accompanying them in almost every performance.
The Philosophy behind the Orok Dance
Because it is related to traditional ceremonies, it is natural that this dance is sacred. In fact, the philosophy behind the Orok Dance is kind of deep. After the wuon ceremony is over, then all of the villagers will come down to dance with them.
This is an outpouring of gratitude and joy for the boys who finally have graduated from the wuon education from the village. They are happy with him because the wuon tradition is notoriously difficult.
There are two types of wuon education, that is wuon tali and wuon amik or amok. Wuon tali last for 6 months, and wuon amik or amok lasts for 9 months to 1 year.
Aside from that, the Orok Dance has various other meanings. One of them is obviously a cultural identity for the Tehit Tribe. Then, it also has religious values, social values, ethical values, aesthetic values, and also economic values. Then, it depicts courage, might, persistence, and also firmness.
