Zapin

Malay dance From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zapin (Jawi: زافين) is one of the most popular dance and musical forms in traditional Malay performing arts. Dance movements are choreographed to melodies, which are performed using musical instruments such as the gambus (short-necked lute), accordion, and rebana.[8] It is believed to have been introduced by Persian and Arab Muslim missionaries from the Middle East to the Malay Archipelago around the fourteenth century, where back then only males were allowed to perform; nowadays, female dancers are included. It used to be performed exclusively for religious ceremonies but through the years it has become a form of traditional entertainment, hence the participation of female dancers is allowed.

Native nameZafin,[1][2][3] Japin,[4][5] Jepin,[6] Jepen[7]
EtymologyArabic: الزفن, romanized: Al-Zafn
Instrument(s)Gambus, Gendang, Marawis, Rebana
InventorPersian, Arabs, Malays
Quick facts Native name, Etymology ...
Zafin
Schoolchildren performing Zapin in Batu Pahat, Johor.
Native nameZafin,[1][2][3] Japin,[4][5] Jepin,[6] Jepen[7]
EtymologyArabic: الزفن, romanized: Al-Zafn
Instrument(s)Gambus, Gendang, Marawis, Rebana
InventorPersian, Arabs, Malays
OriginHadramaut, Yemen.
Malay World
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Instruments

Zapin instruments played among the Pontianak Malays of West Kalimantan.

The dancers usually perform in pairs and are accompanied by musicians playing the accordion, violin, gambus, gendang, marwas/marawis, and rebana.

Distributions

Presently, zapin remains an integral part of the regional Malay performing arts scene, particularly in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.[9] In Malaysia, Zapin is mostly associated with the Malaysian southern state of Johor.[10][11] In Indonesia, Zapin is mostly associated and classified as part of Malay cultures especially in terms of traditional dances and traditions in Malay-populated areas in Sumatra, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung Islands, and Kalimantan.

Types

There are numerous types of Zapin, and each type varies by the movement and style of dance:

See also

References

External links

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