Monong Dance, Traditional Dance of Dayak Tribe in West Kalimantan

Monong Dance is a traditional Dayak dance in West Kalimantan Province. Monong dance is also often referred to as dance manang. This dance is a healing dance or disease repellent performed at the time of its citizens affected by the disease.

History of Monong Dance

This Monong dance was originally a healing dance performed by the Dayak shamans by reciting mantras while dancing. In this dance is also followed by family members of the sick and led by a shaman. Monong dance is a ritual performed to invoke healing to God so that the sick people are given healing. But with the development of the times, this dance is not only used as a healing dance but also as a means of entertainment and preservation of traditional arts Dayak tribe.

Monong Dance Performance

Movement in Monong Dance is more emphasis on the movement when the shaman performs healing rituals. This movement is a movement when the shaman performs a spell reading and dances while the ritual takes place, so this dance is very thick will mystical nuance.

Monong Dance Clothes

In the show, dancers are clad in a distinctive outfit of the Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan Province. Dancers are also equipped with various tools used for rituals. In this dance is also accompanied by a variety of traditional musical instruments Dayak tribe for the atmosphere of the show can be more alive.

The Development of Monong Dance

In its development, Monong Dance is not only used in rituals but also used as a means of community entertainment. Of course, in the transformation, there are so many creations and variations in movement during the performance. The creation is done to preserve the traditional arts of the Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan Province, in addition to the show can look interesting, but still, do not eliminate the values in it. This dance is often performed during traditional events such as Bemanang or Balian, welcoming guests, and also at cultural festivals.