Sigale-Gale dance is one of the traditional arts of the Batak people in Samosir, North Sumatra. Sigale-gale itself is a human-shaped doll that can be moved and danced accompanied by traditional music. Sigale-Gale dance is one of the traditional arts that is quite famous in North Sumatra, especially in the Samosir area. This dance is usually often performed at various events such as traditional events, cultural events, and even become one of the attractions for tourists who come there.
The History of the Sigale-Gale Dance
Historically, sigale-gale dolls themselves are thought to have existed since hundreds of years ago. It is said that the doll originated from the story of a king in Samosir who lost his only child who had died. Therefore the king was very sad and felt devastated considering that he was the only child and heir of the descendants of the king. Because deep sadness made the king sick. Various treatments were given to the king, but he was unable to cure his illness.
Then the king’s advisers suggested to make a wooden statue that resembles the face of the king’s son. After the statue was finished, then performed several ceremonies including the calling of the king’s son to enter the statue, then the statue was shown to the king. Miraculously after the king saw the statue the king immediately recovered and could lead his people back. Although this story still cannot be ascertained its truth, but the people there, believe the story as the history of the existence of this puppet and the Sigale-Gale Dance.
Function and Meaning of Sigale-Gale Dance
In the tradition of the Batak people in Samosir, the Sigale-Gale dance is usually performed at death ceremonies, especially when men die. According to the belief of the people there, this dance was performed to escort the spirits of the deceased who died. But over time, this tradition began to be rarely done, so that the existence of sigale-gale dolls began to diminish. Even so, to preserve and preserve their traditions and culture, the Sigale-Gale Dance was later developed as a performance dance. And often displayed in various traditional and cultural events, it even becomes one of the tourist attractions for tourists who come there.
Sigale-Gale dance performance
In the show, sigale-gale dolls are usually played by several people by holding a rope to move the doll. Accompanied by traditional music the doll is moved like dancing like a human. Also in the Sigale Dance performance.
There are also some gale dancers who dance to follow the sigale-gale doll. Sigale-Gale dance performances are usually displayed in approximately 1 hour duration with some unique and very typical dance presentations.
One of the uniqueness of this dance is when sigale-gale dolls are played, their movements even resemble human movements. This is because the framework of the doll is indeed made like a joint in the human body, so that the doll can move more flexibly like a human movement. The movements in the Sigale-Gale dance are quite varied, such movements as the tor-tor movement and several other traditional Batak dance movements.
Sigale-Gale Dance accompanist
In the Sigale-Gale dance performances are usually accompanied by traditional music which is often referred to as gondang music. Gondang music itself usually consists of flute, drum, and gong. The musical accompaniment is certainly played according to the movements of the dancers. But along with the times, many also prefer to use recorded music, because it is considered more practical and does not cost too much. Even so, there are still many artists who still maintain traditional music as accompaniment music, because it feels purer and the impression of art and traditional is more pronounced.
Sigale-Gale Dance Costumes
For costumes used in the Sigale-Gale dance performance, traditional Samosir Batak traditional clothing, complete with ulos cloth, is his trademark. Besides the dancers, sigale-gale wooden dolls are also equipped with these clothes. So it looks like a human and looks harmonious with the dancers accompanying it.
Development of the Sigale-Gale Dance
In its development, the Sigale-Gale Dance is still preserved and developed until now. Although it has rarely been performed as part of certain traditional ceremonies, this dance is still often performed in various shows that are performing, such as cultural festivals and tourism promotion. Various creations and variations are also often displayed in each of these Sigale-Gale Dance performances to make it look attractive, but do not leave its authenticity and characteristics. This is certainly done as an effort to preserve and introduce the younger generation and the wider community of this Sigale-Gale Dance.
Thus we provide this information to get to know some Indonesian cultures that originate from the Batak tribe. So, if you want to try, learn and see Sigale-Gale dance, how come you travel to the province of North Sumatra, especially on the island of Samosir.
