Kelantan's Art and Culture
12:29 PM
Kelantan's traditional cultural song sing by cute little girl.
Kelantan is known as the cradle of Malay culture based on the diverse cultural activities practised by Kelantanese. Among the popular cultural practices are Dikir Barat, Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong, Wau Bulan (kite-flying), Gasing (top-spinning). If you are visiting Kelantan, it is a must to vist Cultural Centre on Jalan Mahmud in Kota Bharu which is a hub of Kelantan's cultures. Various of popular cultural practices can be found in one place.
Dikir Barat
The most famous cultural activity at Kelantan is Dikir Barat and it have been practiced by Kelantanese since a long time ago. Basically, it is a style of call and response singing originating in Kelantan . It is well known throughout the Peninsular through local television and performing groups. A dikir barat group, which may be of any size, is led by a "tukang karut" or leader who makes up poems and sings them as he goes along. The chorus echoes in response, verse by verse. Dikir barat groups usually perform during various festive occassions, and their poems are usually light entertainment and may be about any topic, but are not religious in nature. The chorus traditionally consists of all men, but modern groups, especially those performing on television, often include women. The singing being accompanied instead by rhythmic clapping and energetic body movements. In addition, they use a pair of frame drums or rebana, a shallow gong and a pair of maracas, for accompaniment.
 |
| The preview of Dikir Barat groups with their instruments. |
Wayang Kulit
Wayang Kulit is another one famous cultural activity in Kelantan. It is well known at the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Kelantan. There is no evidence on the origin of Wayang Kulit but some people believe it was from Jawa and was brought here hundred years ago. Wayang Kulit is a very unique form of theatre employing the principle of light and shadow. The puppets are crafted from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as the light source, shadows are cast on the screen. In addition, the Tok Dalang is the one who plays the role behind the entire performance by sitting behind the screen and narrates the story. With a traditional orchestra in the background to provide a resonant melody and its conventional rhythm, the Tok Dalang modulates his voice to create suspense thus heightening the drama. Invariably, the play climaxes with the triumph of good over evil.
 |
| The preview of how Wayang Kulit looks like and how it is performed. |
Mak Yong
Not to forget, Kelantan is also popular with its traditional dances. One of them is Mak Yong. Basically, it is a traditional dance drama practiced since decades ago by Kelantanese. The ritual of Mak Yong performance is more elaborate than that staged for entertainment, combining shamanism, feasting the spirits and dance theatre. It reflects the deep, mystical significance of Mak Yong's stories and dances, and its original aim to serve as a conduit to the spirit world. Ritual performances are enacted for spiritual healing, to pay homage to a teacher and for the graduation of a performer.
 |
| Mak Yong dancers during their performances. |
Wau Bulan (Moon-Kite)
Kelantan is famous for the making of unique handicraft. Everything is surely 100% handmade and one of them is Wau bulan. What make it looks unique is the floral motifs that is traditionally flown by hand and it is so special because it is one of Malaysia's national symbols, along some others being the kris and hibiscus. In addition, it is more interesting because these waus or giant flying kites are often as big as a man, measuring about 3.5 metres from head to tail. It is the largest kite around and is capable of soaring to great heights. Not surprisingly, kite-flying here is a sport for men as some kites require at least two grown up men to handle. Most of the patterns are based on local flora and fauna like birds, animals and flowers. It usually fitted with a stringed bow which emits a soft, wailing sound when flown. Each kite is lavishly pasted with colorful designs and a work of art in it its own right. Kites are flown throughout the year but especially after the full moon harvest.
 |
| Some of the wau bulan previews that show the uniqueness of the motifs and its huge size. |
Gasing (top-spinning)
Last but not least, the "Gasing" is one more cultural traditional activities and it is a favorite pastime among the East Coast Malays, especially those in the Kelantan. The "gasing" or top is about the size of a dinner plate and may weigh up to 5.5 kg. Spinning one is hardly child's play as it requires great dexterity and precise timing. After it is launched, the gasing is quickly scooped off the ground with a thin wooden bat and transferred onto a metal receptacle on a short wooden post. An expert top-spinner can make a perfectly balanced gasing spin for as long as two hours at a stretch, although, according to local belief, a top will spin for 24 hours or more if a spirit enters it. The making of a good top begins with the selection a fine piece of hard wood. In Kelantan and Terengganu, a few species are normally used. Even then, only the base and upper roots or the portion where a branch joins the trunk are acceptable. The wood takes a few weeks to dry naturally. It is then shaped into a discus. For metal top, the edge has to accurately grooved in order to have a good grip of the metal rim. A good top requires perfect symmetry which is an important attribute to longer spinning time. From start to finish, a good giant metallic top might need four to six weeks to complete.
 |
| The most favourite pastime game among Kelantanese. |
Post a Comment