CULTURE : KUDA KEPANG

(CREDIT:GOOGLE IMAGE)

Initially , according to history , the art of "Kuda Kepang" was born as a symbol that people also have the ability in the face of the enemy or against the power who have the royal army . In addition , also as a medium for presenting entertainment that cheap but the phenomenal to the people at large .

(CREDIT:GOOGLE IMAGE)

The dance , now popular in the state of Johor , is usually perfomed by 9 to 15 dancers , all garbed in traditional Javances clothes . The dancers are usually all men , though women dancers are not uncommon these days . However , you will see both genders perfoming this dance together .

The dance is believed to have strong links to the spiritual world . It is not uncommon to see a Kuda Kepang dancer entering a trance during a perfomance .

(CREDIT:GOOGLE IMAGE)

The two-dimensional mock horse-which is traditionally made out of hide or pleated bamboo , and is painted and decorated to resemble a horse-is said to harbour spirits which have to be appeased in a pre-dance ceremony conducted by a bomoh(shaman) . These days , this belief and practice is not encouraged .

The Kuda Kepang has now become a regular fixture in grand occastons such as the birthday of the Sultan Johor , state goverment celebrations and cultural shows .

Credit To: 1) www.thestar.com.my

                 2)kuda-kepang-dance.blogspot.my