Papatai Kancet Dance or Dayak War Dance, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

 

Papatai Kancet Dance or Dayak War Dance is one of the traditional dances of Kalimantan. This dance has an important meaning for the Dayak people because it symbolizes courage, victory in battle and peace between people.

The Dayak are an indigenous or aboriginal people who live along the coast of Borneo and in the inland rainforests.

Since childhood they have lived customs that emphasize courage, strength and belief in the forces of nature.

Therefore, the papatai kancet dance is a positive activity as a means of self-development, improvement of skills and an introduction to cultural history and customs. The Papatai Kancet dance is a war dance that soldiers usually perform before entering the battlefield.

This dance is performed by men with swords and shields called Kancet and Papatai. Kancet is a sword equipped with a tumpal, or short stick, as a free hand, while Papatai is a shield used to block enemy attacks. The Dayak believe that swords and shields have magical powers that help warriors defeat enemies.

Therefore,before entering the battlefield, soldiers mentally prepare themselves by performing this Kancet Papatai dance.

This dance has agile and energetic movements and uses attractive and impressive elements.

Initially, the Kancet Papatai dance was performed by soldiers in a competition to see who had the best Kancet and Papatai skills. But over time, this dance became an event that can entertain and lighten the spirit of the Dayak people.

The successful execution of precise and precise movements is an important requirement in the Kancet Papatai dance. Dancers must be able to learn the movements well and have the courage to jump quickly and accurately, dance in an aggressive style, and play kancet and papatai.

In order to perform the Kancet Papatai dance, one must have the values ​​of courage, honesty and teamwork, as well as movements and techniques to play musical instruments. Since the issue of enemy security is only one of the things that makes it important, many other things are also important for the success of the battle being fought.

Thus, Kancet Papatai Dance becomes a means to transmit these values.