The Nias tribe is one of the indigenous tribes of Indonesia which has wealth in its arts and culture, such as traditional dances and traditional music. Dance and music have always played an important role in Nias. Early visitors to Nias described seeing spectacular dance performances in the villages where they were staying.
Many of the dances and songs are for happy occasions such as weddings, while others are preparations for war or expressions of grief. When the majority of Nias population converted to Christianity, the musical tradition continued and a large part of every church service was devoted to music. The people of Nias are now famous for being very talented singers and musicians.
Traditional dances
Dances are an important part of Nias culture, and there are different types of dances for various occasions.
Fanari Moyo (Eagle Dance): This Moyo dance is usually danced by female dancers with a movement similar to that of an Eagle flying and flapping its wings. This dance symbolizes the tenacity and enthusiasm of the eagle and the people of Nias. Moyo dance is sometimes performed after or before an event or celebration.
Maena: This dance is a type of folk dance that is performed collectively or en masse. Groups of men and women line up and dance. Usually it begins with a rhyme sung by the presenter. The rhymes that are sung are usually adjusted to the theme of the event. Then proceed with the maena poetry (fanehe maena) which is sung by all the dancers while dancing. This is the most popular and fun dance on Nias. All Nias people know the steps for this dance.
Fatele (War Dance): Fatele is a famous war dance from South Nias. Basically this is a re-enactment of battle, with many soldiers in royal clothing taking part. This dance follows a certain script and is similar to a performance on a stage play. The dance is very realistic and warriors usually get into character until it looks like a real battle is about to take place.
Famanu – Manu (War Dance): End of the Fatele war dance, in which the hero of the village defeats the enemy in a sparring war.
There are many dances which can be categorized as ‘welcome dances’ which are performed at ceremonies to welcome important visitors.
Bölihae: This is the first dance in the ceremonial remarks and chants on the way to the village and the host of the party organizers. Visitors walking towards a village are met by a representative of the host, as an initial welcome and also pointing the way to the visitor to the host’s house. By hearing this chant in the distance, the hosts knew that a visitor was approaching. More often done when there is a wedding party.
Fahimba: Also called the Humba dance. This is the second stage of the ceremonial welcome performed by the host when the visitor arrives. This dance involves several theatrical arts and aspects of war dance. At first, when guests arrive, it’s unclear whether the visitor is friendly or an intruder. The women in the party positioned themselves in the center to avoid any fights. The response from guests to this dance is the Hiwö dance.
Hiwö: A dance performed by visitors when they arrive at the host’s house. Male dancers hold hands and dance in an oblique direction towards the host. This dance involves several theatrical arts and aspects of war dance. At first when guests arrive, it is unclear whether the host is welcoming them or treating them like intruders. The women in the party positioned themselves in the center to avoid any fights. The response from guests to this dance is with the Himba dance.
Maluaya: Another welcome dance from South Nias. It is performed by men and women together in the middle of a traditional village field.
Mogaele: This is a dance in which a female dancer offers an important guest betel nut from a special bag. Today this dance is often performed when important guests such as ministers or government officials visit Nias. Mogaele dance is the name of this dance in South Nias. In North Nias this dance is called the Famaola gö afo dance.
Music and Traditional Musical Instruments
Music is an important part of Nias culture. Most of the ethnic Nias people can play musical instruments and many enjoy singing.
Types of traditional music
Hoho: In Telukdalam sung by 5 or 7 people; the one in charge is ere hoho. Usually the poetry consists of metaphors and stories as well as history. In North Nias hoho is only spoken.
Hendri Hendri: Singed at weddings or traditional parties as an exchange of questions and answers between guests and visitors. Songs can be used as an introduction or comments about visitors. Initially the men and women sang separately, but merged in the end. Finally a small group of women sings the high pitched, song that is sung at all weddings.
Maola: Songs from guests and also greetings for guests by the host when there is a traditional party.
Famaola: Especially in North Nias. Male host greets guests before offering of betel nut.
Mo’ere: A prayer sung by a faith while hitting the drum (fondrahi).
Gözö-gözö: A person sings while working or while walking.
Famolaya iraono: A baby is carried and rocked in a simple song (solo).
Lailö: A song or song of entertainment in general whether it is sad or happy or happy.
Böli: An entertainment song.
Ngenu-ngenu: A song to express sorrow and suffering (solo).
Böli-böli: A song of entertainment for the bereaved. Performed by a minimum of 5 singers.
Nias traditional musical instrument
Many of the musical instruments here can be seen in museum exhibitions. The museum also makes traditional Nias musical instruments for sale and can also train people on how to play them.
Doli-doli gahe: Usually used in fields, consists of 4 different tones. This is usually placed on the knee of a seated person and played with a short stick. A more sophisticated version can be used where the logs are placed on special stands. In the south, this instrument is known as Doli Doli Hagita.
Doli-doli haua, ~ bue: One stick of wood (laore, bayo, bui) approximately 1.3 m long. The bottom is chiseled like an elongated elbow. One end is hung with a rope like a bue, the other end is held, twisted and hit, resulting in 3 notes. Playing this instrument brings to mind “Möli-möli” advice from parents.
Lagia: A musical instrument with one string rubbed. This music is played while singing with the aim of conveying the player’s complaints.
Raba (Tello): In the coconut shell, a wooden stalk is attached with 1 rope. Stringed instrument.
Göndra: A fat drum with one side attached. It is often played at the start of ceremonies, such as weddings and the arrival of important guests. It is played with two bamboo sticks.
Rafa’i: A drum that is placed on the ground when it is sounded.
Tamburu: A small drum fitted with one side of the skin. Often played at weddings.
Fondrahi: A long tambour, usually the priest will sound first. It is held under the arm while playing. Almost the same as the “Tutu” drum but slightly smaller.
Tutu: The longer drum, l / k 1 m; the skin is fitted just next door. This drum is mainly used in South Nias at religious ceremonies. It is mounted on the roof of the house and played by hand. Almost the same as the “Fondrahi” drum but slightly bigger.
Tamburana: The longest drum, l / k 3 m; only in a manor house.
Sigu lewuö: Serunai [surune] made of bamboo
Riri-riri lewuö (Gomo): Riwi-riwi lewuö in North Nias. Tool from blown bamboo.
Fifi Wofo: A simple instrument that is blown to imitate the sound of a bird (also known as ufu-ufu). It is used by hunters to catch birds. This can be made very quickly by cutting a splinter from bamboo or other similar wood.
Tutuhao / Tutuhaena: Made quite artistically from knots of bamboo to produce and can replace the sound of three musical instruments: Aramba, Göndra and Faritia. Unique to Nias, not found anywhere else.
Duri gahe: Also called duri mbalö duhi. 2 bamboo sticks were beaten on the knees.
Tamburu danö: Dug a hole in the ground covered with mowa wino; On top of that, a rope from Wewe Iti-Iti (ICI-ICI) is attached.
Riti-riti sole: Coconut shell with seeds inside; be shaken.
Tabolia: From strong bamboo, from lewuöguru. Tool for calling people.
Koko-koko, kato-kato: From manawa danö or bayo wood. Tool to call residents if there is an event.
New musical instruments
Faritia: Canang, usually has to be two when sounded, with different tones; used at weddings.
Aramba: Great gong; worn at weddings and at other parties.
Mage-mage / Koroco: Keroncong, like a mini guitar. Very popular with young people. This is the most common musical instrument on Nias.
Ndruri mbewe: Dari besi; dibunyikan di depan mulut yang terbuka; mungkin dibawa ke Nias oleh para misionaris.
Ndruri weto: Maybe imitating Duri mbewe; material from the Feto tree.
The newest musical instruments
Feta batu: Created in the village of Bawömataluo by the Tale of Manaö. This type of music was NOT traditionally played on Nias before. Come on, get other interesting information from indonesiar.com.
