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.

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

Instruments

edit
 
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

edit

Presently, zapin remains an integral part of the regional Malay performing arts scene, particularly in Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia 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

edit

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

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Zafin". jakarta.go.id. The Official Communications, Informatics and Statistics Province's Exclusive Capital Government of Jakarta (eng). 12 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  2. ^ "Japin / Zafin Dance (eng)". jakarta-tourism.go.id. Jakarta Tourism Service. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  3. ^ "Zafin". warisanbudaya.kemdikbud.go.id. Directorate of Cultural and Heritage Diplomacy, Directorate General of Culture of The Republic of Indonesia. 2010–2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  4. ^ "Japin / Zafin Dance (eng)". jakarta-tourism.go.id. Jakarta Tourism Service. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  5. ^ "Japin". warisanbudaya.kemdikbud.go.id. Directorate of Cultural and Heritage Diplomacy, Directorate General of Culture of The Republic of Indonesia. 2015–2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  6. ^ "Jepin". warisanbudaya.kemdikbud.go.id. Directorate of Cultural and Heritage Diplomacy, Directorate General of Culture of The Republic of Indonesia. 2010–2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  7. ^ "Jepen". warisanbudaya.kemdikbud.go.id. Directorate of Cultural and Heritage Diplomacy, Directorate General of Culture of The Republic of Indonesia. 2015–2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  8. ^ "Zapin INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE". Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  9. ^ Muhd Noramin. "Joget: the Popular, Ever-Evolving Music of Dance". Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  10. ^ "Zapin dance still popular in Johor". Bernama. Retrieved 22 September 2020 – via The Star.
  11. ^ Halim Said (28 September 2017). "Johor to seek Unesco recognition for traditional zapin dance". New Straits Times. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
edit