Tribal War Dance From Aceh

teukumukhlis (70)in #aceh • 7 years ago

Seudati Dancing performing at Samalanga, Bireun, Aceh, in 1907. Source Image

Aceh is one of the areas that have diversity of cultures. One Acehnese culture is Seudati. Seudati is one type of traditional dances. Seudati dance is a dance that originated from Aceh, Indonesia. This dance also included the category of Tribal War Dance.

Definition

Seudati dance is a dance from Aceh which is derived from the word meaning testify creed. The Creed is one of the requirements of the Islamic religion to acknowledge the existence of God. Therefore Aceh dubbed porch Mecca for every aspect of life condensed with Islamic nuance. Poems and rhymes are sung in dance Seudati also contains praise to God. Source

Composition

Players seudati usually amounts to eight people and one person who acted as Sheikh. Sheikh singing the lyrics are in tune with the dance movements.

Seudati dance often danced at every event. Seudati dance usually played by men wearing the same uniform. The uniform used white. Movement and dance seudati nature very lively and romantic.

Strength in Seudati dance lies in the fusion movement of the dancers with the lyrics of the song sung by Sheikh. The lyrics sung by Sheikh is praise to God. The lyrics can also evoke the spirit of struggle.

Sample Seudati Lyrics

To those just arriving
And to those who came earlier

We extend a hearty welcome
Such is the way of the world

The exchange of hands, the Prophet says
Is a noble and holy requisite

Please come in, partake of betel
We've prepared the best for you

If you want more, never mind
You need not use your own

This betel is especially for you
Of course, there's no poison or drugs

When chewing the leaves, try the stem
It is sure to slacken your thirst

If the leaves be bitter, pungent or stale
Please keep this to yourself

Essence

Seudati is a dance of heroism. Acehnese people during the war, before plunging into battle, usually presented Seudati dance. The lyrics of this song Seudati to raise the fighting spirit of the people of Aceh.

Thus, Steemers! If you are interested in watching dance Seudati, you can easily search on the internet search engines. That is all from me. Greetings from Aceh.

Reference:
Anthology of ASEAN literatures : oral literature of Indonesia

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