Warrior Dance from Dayak Tribe - Indonesia

ITB Berlin - Gemany, March 2007


Kancet Papatai Dance / War Dance. This dance tells about a Dayak Hero, from Dayak Kenyah who fights against his enemy. It describes about the brave men (Ajai) from Dayak Kenyah tribe in war.This dance tells about the beginning of war until the given title ceremony for the Ajai which have succeeded to won the war.

The movement in this dance is very energetic, agile, and full of spirit and sometimes followed by dancers' shouting. In this dance, the dancers wear traditional clothing of Dayak Kenyah tribe, along with war equipments such as mandau (Dayak sword), shield and armor. The dance is accompanied by Sak Paku song and it only uses Sampe instrument. (teks from: www.kutaikartanegara.com and www.dayakborneo.com)