Papua succeeded in attracting domestic and foreign tourists with its natural beauty. Not only presenting its natural charm, Papua also has traditional arts and culture. That are able to attract the attention of tourists, one of which is populer traditional dance.
Papua regional traditional dance is a national asset in the field of archipelago arts. When compared with other traditional dances throughout the archipelago, traditional dance in Papua has a unique characteristic. Because, this eastern part of Indonesian region dance presents a number of meanings . That are closely related to daily life, which is to express its local emotions and culture.
Traditional Dance From West Papua
So, what are the populer traditional dance from Papua? The following will be presented an explanation of some of the traditional Papuan dances and the fact that behind it.
Soanggi dance
The first Papuan traditional dance, the Soanggi dance is a traditional dance originating from the Cendrawasih Bay Beach area, Waropen Regency, West Papua Province. Initial existence of Soanggi dance is not very clear, but this dance is a form of expression of the people of West Papua which is still thick with magical nuances. The dance began with the story of a husband who was left dead by his wife as a result of being attacked by a creature named Anggi-Anggi or Soanggi (imitation), in Java commonly called Memedi.
This populer traditional dance is performed by dozens of male dancers and a person who acts as a leader armed with a shield and machete. They wear tassels as lower body cover. The dance is described as a war between residents armed with arms and arrows with a Soanggi.
Awaijale Rilejale dance
The traditional dance of the second Papuan community, namely Awaijale Rilejale dance is a traditional dance typical of the Sentani tribe who live in the Sentani District area, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province. This dance illustrates the natural beauty of Lake Sentani at dusk, when its citizens come home from working by boat. The clothes are made of Genemo tree fibers, bark, and sago leaves, and are equipped with harshthery jewelry (bead necklaces). Read also The Beauty of Traditional Dance in West Papua that you need to know.
Aluyen dance
The traditional dance of the populer traditional dance, namely Aluyen dance is a traditional dance originating from the Aim’Has District area, Sorong Regency, West Papua Province. The mention of the name of the Aluyen dance comes from two syllables, namely Alu which means “song” and yen which means “sung”. Overall, this dance has the meaning of “song sung”.
The initial existence of the dance has existed since Indonesia has not been independent. Aluyen dance is a traditional dance that is usually performed as part of a traditional ceremony, namely the construction of new houses and opening new gardens. The dance can be performed during the day or night. However, if held in a traditional house, the show can last for 1-2 months.
This populer traditional dance is performed by men and women, as well as someone who acts as a leader. The dance leader stands in front of the other dancers, then behind him followed by female and male dancers with two lines extending backwards.
Det Pok Mbui
Dance The fourth traditional dance inWest Papua, the Det Pok Mbui dance is a traditional dance originating from three districts in Merauke Regency, Papua Province, namely Agats, Sauwa Ema, and Piri. The initial existence of the dance has existed since Indonesia has not been independent.
The mention of the name of Det Pok Mbui dance comes from two syllables. Namely Det which means “mask that looks like a devil” and Pok Mbui which means “party” or “ceremony”. Overall, this dance has the meaning of “Satan Mask Ceremony”. This dance is performed by a group of men and women in the afternoon. Or afternoon after harvesting looking for sago, with a duration of 2-4 hours. Generally, this populer traditional dance is performed on the river bank becaiuse there is a scene riding a boat.
