Papua always attracts domestic and foreign tourists. Papuan culture is another attraction of the second-largest island in the world. In addition, Traditional music and dance in West Papua, which is full of meaning, also attract the attention of tourists.
Papuan Cultural Dances
Here are some famous dances that become a traditions in west papua that are beautiful to watch and know:
1. Welcome Dance
As the name implies, the Welcome Dance is Traditional music and dance in West Papua used to welcome guests who have just set foot on the land of Papua.
In the past, this dance symbolized hospitality for friends or anyone with good intentions of coming to Papua.
Now, the welcome dance is not only used to welcome honored guests. You can now find welcome dances at cultural festivals, Papuan tourism promotions, and other art performances.
2. Yospan Dance
Yospan or Yosim Pancar dance is a Papuan cultural practices dance often performed by young men and women as a form of brotherhood and friendship. When dancing, the position of the dancers will form a circle.
The dancers walk around while continuing to dance with dynamics, full of enthusiasm and energy. The costumes used in Yospan dance performances are made of roots or leaves.
3. Sajojo Dance
This dance is very well known in foreign countries. This Traditional music and dance in West Papua is often performed in various entertainment, traditional and cultural events.
Accompanied by a Papuan folk song with the same title, this dance is dominate by energetic and cheerful foot movements. The Sajojo song is a Papuan folk song that tells the story of a girl loved and idolized in her village.
4. War Dance
As the name implies, this dance has a connection with warfare. War dance is a form of respect for the Papuan people towards ancestors who have fought for independence. This dance use to be used to raise the spirit.
However, over time, this dance is use as entertainment or performance. Men who perform this traditional dance wear clothes equipped with arrows.
The dancers will be accompanied by music that comes from tifa and wind instruments.
5. Soanggi Dance
Soanggi dance, according to the beliefs of the people of West Papua, is an evil spirit that wanders because it still has an unfulfilled promise.
The Soanggi is a Traditional music and dance in West Papua originating from the coastal area of Cenderawasih Bay, Waropen, West Papua.
This dance originated from the story of a husband left dead by his wife for being a victim of soanggi or a creature. Therefore, this dance depicts the war between the population and soanggi.
According to the traditions in west papua, the dancers must perform a ritual led by the tribal chief before starting the dance. At the same time, the musical accompaniment for this dance uses tifa and shell trumpets.
Other Beauties of Papuan Music and Dance
Every traditions in west papua, of course, has its uniqueness, as well as the culture of Papua.
This typical of music and dance in West Papua has characteristics that make it unique, different, and special, especially for tourism promotions.
Traditional dance in West Papua has distinctive movements centered on the feet. For the most part, Papuan dances are dominate by stepping movements, firm footwork, and stomping.
These movements are perform with great enthusiasm and energy. In addition, the tempo and beat of each Papuan dance are fast and regular.
Most Traditional music and dance in West Papua are accompanied by shouts or vocal characteristics that are high and enthusiastic.
