The only cultural touch.
And I am contented.
Sasak Village Sade.
Curious. I google to see what they have
instore for me.
“Looks interesting… hemmm…” So I said to
myself. Still having doubt.
You see, I have a very high expectation
when I visited Somba Opu late last year and got a tad disappointed upon
reaching there. If the place was properly maintained, it would have been better
enjoyed, better appreciated.
The verdict?
Ecstatic!
It was done right, in every way (if I were
to have it my way, I would have stayed there longer but that wouldn’t be fair
to the rest and the Trip of Wonders objective).
Being the largest tribe in Lombok and consisting
approximately 3 million inhabitants living here; their traditions, customs,
worship and culture evolve around life. Farming and weaving leads and generate
income for this village economy and well-being.
Gendang
Beleq Dance
The coordination was immaculate (I have to
say so myself), we were taken to the Sasak Village, we were greeted by their
welcoming beat of Gendang Beleq Dance of Sasak tribe of Lombok Island. It is
usually being showcased when officiating an event, wedding function, upon
welcoming guests to their village or an event, or even during circumcision
ceremony. This is one of the most popular dance in Sasak tribe, centering on 2
big gendang or drum players trying to outdo each other when performing. A
mesmerizing, intense and energetic performance indeed. I secretly wish it was
longer. And I was flattered to be valued and welcomed is such a grand manner.
And that is not all, there are also 3 other traditional dance showcases
performed by the local villagers, the head chief also briefed us on the
background and history of each dance.
Amaq Tempengus Dance
The other dance that caught our attention
and loved by all (kid you not!) is the Amaq Tempengus Dance; about an amaq or
father with full make-up mimicking and dancing in a funny way like a Sasak
court jester or clown; pantomime-like. Occasionally approaching and teasing
visitors for a photo. The photo op session was like by everyone, we were caught
off guard when the amaq approaches us but once we recovered (from our
momentarily shock), we kept hoping and wishing he come back so that we can get
a closely picture of him. A truly dance extraordinaire.
Petuk Dance
The third dance was Petuk dance, where the dancer
dance in a funny style to entertain the audience. It is said that it is performed
during circumcision ceremony. It is not known why the kids look happy before
circumcision but we suspect that they embrace it as it is the natural course of
being a man here. So the locals say *wink/smile*.
Presean Dance
The last dance was a combination of their
fighting games to a music, using Penjalin; a rattan sticks in, and an armored
buffalo skin thick and hard called Ende, where else the 2 fighters are called
pepadu. Presean is the game name and when paired with their traditional music,
this dance is called Beleganjur. At times. We noticed the commentator giving
spirit to the fighters. This aggressive dance is usually performed during
Indonesia Independent day in Lombok, on cultural event such as Bulan Apresiasi
Budaya and Senggigi Festival in July.
Nensek (weaving)
Sasak tribe of the Sasak Traditional
Village Sade is the largest tribal community that inhabits the Lombok Island in
West Nusa Tenggara. The traditions, customs, worship and ordinances are pretty
much related to animism, and their livelihood is focus on farming and weaving. The
women in Sasak tribe is famous for weaving (tenun) cloth know as nensek.
According to the Sasak custom, women are required to learn and know the art of
weaving at young age, else they are not allowed to get married. The techniques,
patterns and motifs are handed down by their elders and is also one of the ways
to earn money for their families.
Lumbung
The other unique characteristic in Sasak
tribe is their home, it is uniquely differentiated by the grass-roofed-houses
with bamboo-walls. It has a single room function; catering for both sleeping
and kitchen. The famous and iconic Lumbung is a bonnet/curve-like structure or
building use to store rice (rice barn). And what is unique here is the flooring
of Sasak home is made of combinations of clay and cow faeces, and the result is
as strong as cement.
I guess, Lombok is not all about the beach and the sea.
Do drop by Sasak Village Sade if you are ever in Lombok.
#TripOfWonders – Indonesia Social Media Fam
Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Indonesia.
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