Kabasaran is a traditional Minahasanmartial art and war dance from North Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is performed by several men clad in red costumes, wielding a sword with a shield or a spear. The dancers are called kawasalan, which implies imitating like a pair of fighter cocks.[1] the word kabasaran is derived from kawasalan. Kabasaran dance is related to the Sakalele dance, a tradition shared with the Moluccas, it was simplified and incorporated moves from Quadrille dance.[2]
The dancers work daily as farmers and guards of the Minahasan villages, but serve as waranei (warriors) if the village is attacked.[1] According to Minahasan custom, the weapons and status of waranei are hereditary. The kabasaran dance is performed exclusively by men of the Waranei lineage.[1]
In general, the basic structure of the dance consists of nine movements (jurus) using the sword (santi) or spear (wengkouw), also the stance moves which consists of two steps to the left, and two steps to the right. The dance is accompanied by percussion instruments such as gongs, drums, or kolintang called pa 'wasalen.
Gallery
Traditional clothes worn by kabasaran dancers
Kabasaran dancers use traditional weapons
Kabasaran dance performance at an event in North Sulawesi
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