E-BOOK

MUHAMMAD AZWAN

KUDA
KEPANG

MALAYSIA TRADITIONAL CULTURE

SOURCE VIA : PEMETAAN BUDAYA

TABLE OF

Contents

03 HISTORY OF KUDA KEPANG
05 WA TO MAKE KUDA KEPANG
07 KUDA KEPANG DANCE DRESS
08 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
12 COURT OPENING CEREMONY
13 PERFORMANCE PATTERN

HISTORY OF KUDA KEPANG

The most popular
traditional art
performance in
the state of Johor
is kuda kepang.

Kuda kepang is very popular among the
Javanese people. This dance uses 'Kuda
Kepang' which is a bamboo weave that is sewn
and shaped into a statue of a horse without
legs. Animal skins are also used. The bamboo
and skin of the animal are colored to make it
more beautiful and attractive

The kuda kepang dance is often invited to be performed at public
events such as weddings, festivals and so on. The kuda kepang
dance is composed of 10 to 15 people. One of the members of the
kuda kepang was appointed chief. This chief is known as ‘Danyang’.
Danyang's role is to instruct the group members to dance to the
beat using a bag rope. Some people say the kuda kepang dance can
be self -disciplined and form good concentration. There are also
those who say that this dance is able to cure strange diseases such
as being possessed by ghosts, spirits and so on.

The origin of the braided horse is not known. There are only a few
theories related to the origin of this dance. Sources say kuda
kepang was started during the development of Islam in Java by a
group of 'Wali Songo'. The group is always in trouble because the
villagers who live in the area run away as soon as they meet them.

The group has tried to attract the attention of the villagers to abide
by their dakwah efforts.

SOURCE VIA : ESPLANADE

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HISTORY OF KUDA KEPANG

The group had to
put on a dance
performance
while riding a
horse.

The effort has managed to attract their
attention and has since become a community
tradition in the area. The kuda kepong dance
is a symbol of real horses. Other sources have
something to do with the heroism of Saidinan
Ali, the last of the four Caliphs who rode a
horse while fighting the enemy on the
battlefield.

This agile art movement has been followed by the Javanese due
to the strong influence of Islam to the island of Java. There are
other sources that say that the kuda kepang dance has a
relationship with a Sembrani horse that comes from the heavens
that descended to Java.

There are some opinions saying, the introduction of kuda
kepang dance has existed since the spread of Islam by the Wali
Songo group again. Then the horse was modified with bamboo
weaving to look more attractive and easier to move while
performing the dance.

The kuda kepang dance will be more interesting with a shape
that resembles a horse and is colorful.

SOURCE VIA : SENTIASA PANAS

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WAY TO SOURCE VIA : KUDA KEPANG
MAKE KUDA
KEPANG

It’s not hard to make a kuda
kepang. The ingredients are very
easy to find anywhere. Among the
materials required are as follows:
-

1. Bamboo is ripped thin and fine.
2. Coconut fiber or nibung fiber.
3. Fine rattan that has been
ripped.
4. Color according to your own
taste.

Kuda kepang are made of bamboo. The reeds should be split into blades and woven into the shape
of a legless horse. Only has body parts, head and tail. The bamboo used should be selected to be
suitable to produce high quality and attractive horses.

Most bamboo poles or bamboo ropes are used because of the durability of these types of bamboo.
The reeds are soaked in water for two weeks. The water should be mixed with various types of
leaves and roots so that the bamboo is not easily broken and soft.

1. Ears made of animal skin or nibung tree cotton.
2. Handles made of fine rattan.
3. Cembul is made from coconut fiber or nibung fiber measuring 10 cm.
4. Support cross made of bamboo rope or thick bamboo pole.
5. The frame or gapatan is made of bamboo or rattan as thick as 2 cm.

After soaking for a week, the bamboo will be ripped thin and small to 1 cm thick and woven
according to the required shape. Around the weaving is installed a horse -shaped frame using
rattan or bamboo so that the bamboo weaving becomes neat and beautiful.

SOURCE VIA : SENTIASA PANAS

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WAY TO
MAKE KUDA
KEPANG

The weave that has formed the
horse is then placed on the head
with nibung tree fiber or
coconut fiber. Similarly, the tail
part is covered with fiber. Ready
-made weave painted in your
favorite color. Black is used and
mixed with red. Some also use
white and black to color the
bamboo weave. On the tail and
head are painted black.

SOURCE VIA : KUDA KEPANG

On the shoulder part of the horse a braid is fitted with a small bell. This bell is used to enliven the
dance of the braided horse. Adult dancers have large horse size. The petite dancer has a small
horse. To produce a braided horse takes quite a long time. This is because the work of carving a
pony requires skills and experience in making it.

BAG ROPES are also known as whips or accelerators. This rope is made of small bamboo the size
of a big toe. The one -foot -long bamboo base is wrapped in soft leather so that it is not slippery
when held by Danyang. The bag strap is said to have the magic that Danyang can control, direct
and stop the game at any time. When the strap of the bag is sounded the players or dancers will
listen to Danyang's instructions. Therefore, it is said that it can control the dancer's concentration.

Bag Ropes is often associated with a famous Islamic warrior, Saidina Ali. He used it to steer the
horse while attacking the enemy until he managed to capture the enemy.

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KUDA KEPANG The members of the kuda kepang group
DANCE DRESS wear different types of clothing - they
differ from one group to another in
terms of shape, color and type.

SOURCE VIA : RIVERSPACE They also wear 'sumping' (earrings) and bandung
which are located on the back and are made of
Each group has its own identity in choosing their dry bone. The outside of the pants is sewn with
own costumes and the pony dancers are free to kempun cloth, which is Javanese batik cloth.
choose their costumes. What is important is that Once upon a time, there were also kuda kepang
each group has its own identity and looks dancers who wore colorful shawls. The fabric is
uniform. They are equipped with beasts of wrapped around the waist or shoulders to below
greatness on the clothes they wear. the knees to make it look more prominent.

The pants are sewn with one or two strips of Some groups of modest horses wear short -
fabric of different colors. Colorful bends are used sleeved and crooked white shirts, but this type of
to stand out while dancing. There is also a group clothing is very rarely used.
of kuda kepang who wear the traditional clothes
of the ancient Javanese and Balinese people. This Therefore, Danyang's clothes should be different
dress is equipped with a ketopang (tanjak) made from other dancers' clothes. Danyang must have
of leather decorated in various colors. a better costume than the other costumes to
show Danyang has more power and is able to
direct other dancers.

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MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS

01.

ANGKLUNG

SOURCE VIA : UTUSAN

The kuda kepang is a musical instrument that Angklung is a very important musical
accompanies the dance. These musical instrument in the dance of kuda kepang. Usually
instruments are played in a variety of rhythms 5 angklung are used. Two pairs of angklung have
either slow rhythms or fast rhythms that use the same tone and another angklung has a
horses being driven fast. different tone - the two pairs of angklung. This
is different in angklung music there are several
Among the musical instruments that accompany in three different tones.
the kuda kepang dance are: -
1. Angklung. Angklung musical instruments are used for the
2. Drums. birth of horizontal and understated music.
3. Gong. Angklung is perfect for fast dance tones and
4. Jidor. movements.
5. Kenong.
6. Bonang.
7. Small Saron.

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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

02.

DRUMS

SOURCE VIA : WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Drums are used in the rhythm of the Kuda The surface of the drum is made of cow and
kepang dance. Common drums are used because goat skin. The drums soften the rhythm of the
kuda kepang do not require special drums. music and speed up the player’s dance moves.
Kelewang drums are made based on the core of So the use of drums is almost as important as
the figure or the base of the coconut. the use of angklung to enliven the dance of
kuda kepang.

03.
02GO. NG

DRUMS

SOURCE VIA : GRINELL COLLEGE LIBRARIES

The gong is a unique musical instrument This musical instrument is suspended so that it
because it is made of bronze. The gong is round is easy to beat and makes a loud sound.
in shape and in the middle has a convex or
raised circle. It is on this convex part that the
instrument is struck and makes a pleasant sound.

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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

04.

JIDOR

SOURCE VIA : ESPLANADE Jidor is a tool used to produce low but slow
sounds. Jidor fits in a slow -paced dance.
Jidor, on the other hand, is a musical instrument
that looks like a large, but long tambourine. The
length of the jidor is about 60 centimeters. The
surface of the jidor is made of cow and goat
skins.

05.

0KE2N.ONG

DRUMS

SOURCE VIA : SHUTTERSTOCK

The kenong is the same musical instrument as the The kuda kepang dance will become more lively
gong but smaller in size. Kenong is used for a long with the use of kenong and give a special charm
time and is known as male kenong and female to the spectators who watch the kuda kepang
kenong. A pair of kenong will be played by a performance.
musician. Kenong can be used to replace gongs
and the use of musical instruments adds more
softness to the rhythm of kuda kepang.

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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

06.

KENONG

SOURCE VIA : YOUTUBE This musical instrument is also able to make the
rhythm of the braided horse softer. Bonang is
Bonang is also like a gong musical instrument suitable to be played in a slow dance rhythm.
and it is made of copper iron as well. Bonang has
a bump in the middle that is larger and 20
centimeters in diameter. Bonang has 10 pieces
for each set of musical instruments.

07.

SMALL
SARON

02.

DRUMS SOURCE VIA : GOBLOKKU'S WEBLOG

The small saron is made of brass. It is made thin Each saron has its own tone. Therefore, a small

and curved like a thin slit and curved like a saron consists of saron blades whose number is
bamboo segment. The small saron has two determined by the musician himself. Although
different tones. it is not some important in the performance,

but it is used as a complement to the dance

rhythm so that it is more melodious to be

heard.

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COURT OPENONG CEREMONY

SOURCE VIA : BERITA HARIAN As soon as the meal is prepared, the shaman will recite a
mantra while smoking incense in the middle of the court.
In many dance arts, the kuda kepang dance is a bit more The shaman will sing a song that can control the dancers and
odd in terms of its performance. This is because the kuda spectators from being possessed by the ‘court guards’ and the
kepang dance has been dominated by a supernatural spirit of the kuda kepang. This is followed by a braided horse
power and a special ceremony is performed before the dancer who will include the spirit of 'Dewi Sayang Meneng' so
kuda kepang dance is started. that each player can dance comfortably and lively without
any interruption. The shaman is always required to enlist the
If this special ceremony is not performed, it is believed help of the ‘Court Guard’ to dance the ‘Pendawa Lima’ dance
that something bad will happen to the spectators and or the dance from Cerita Panji.
dancers. These ceremonies include the worship of spirits
and the opening ceremony of the arena. It is perfected by
an experienced shaman. The shaman will perform the
ceremony by preparing certain dishes for supernatural
powers. Among the dishes served are:-

1. Two banana combs, a cup of rice, a grain of coconut,
white cloth, needle and thread. This dish aims to summon
and restore the spirit of the braided horse dancers.
2. A white rooster, eggs, rice and potpourri. This is
intended from any malicious acts of envy and persecution
of people to the braided horse dancers.

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PERFORMANCE
PATTERN

The kuda kepang dance is
performed in groups. The
number of members is
between 15 to 20 people,
including musicians. The
number of players is around
9 to 15 people and most of
them are men.

SOURCE VIA : GIGSMORE

The kuda kepang dance is performed in various types of dances including Solo, Selendang, Pak Tani and Pucuk
Rebung. However, there are also dances created by teachers who teach group dance. There are also types of dances
that have a pattern of struggle and self -defense. The patterned dance of defending oneself from enemy attacks is
the most popular dance in the braided horse dance.
At the beginning of the dance, Danyang will sound the bag string three times as a sign the dancer needs to be
ready. The dancers will line up facing Danyang. This is followed by the sound of music at the same time the
dancers begin to move back and forth. The dancers will start the dance in groups and this marks the beginning of
the kuda kepang dance performance.
Danyang will sound the bag strings and the dancers will form two lines with the same number of dancers in each
row. The dancers have to face Danyang. When Danyang sounds the bag strings, all dancers are required to turn
backwards while moving three steps. This makes the distance of the two rows even farther.

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When Danyang sounds the bag strap, the left row is facing him and the right row will be behind him. At the same
time, each dancer dances according to the rhythm of the song. After the bag strap is rung again, then the right row
will face Danyang.

The bag strap that will be sounded this time, the dancers will dance while facing each other. They move forward as
they change places. After the bag strap was sounded again, all the dancers surrounded Danyang while imagining the
dance according to the music.

The dancers dance in their respective places - when Danyang sounds the bag string, this is the time the dancers will
perform the Pucuk Rebung Dance while moving forward and backward. The bag strap is sounded again and the
dancers have to circle Danyang in a circle. Then they retreated while dancing.

Next, the dancers will perform the Rebung Dance again after the bag string is sounded again. This time the dancers
are more comfortable dancing. Danyang will sound the bag strap seven times. This signals all the dancers to stop.
Even though Danyang has finished thekuda kepang, the dancers will continue to dance devoutly regardless. This
indicates that the dancers have lost consciousness or ascended the ‘Sheikh’. It was at this time that the bomoh came
forward to restore all the dancers who had 'ascended the Sheikh'.

The duration of a kuda kepang dance will be determined by Danyang. This shows Danyang is the person in charge
in the ring and determines the dancer’s dance moves. In the kuda kepang dance, there is a peculiarity that cannot be
found in any other dance. The kuda kepang dance is a type of dance that has dance moves that allow the dancers to
"ride Sheikh '.

However, not all dancers experience the same thing, it will happen to some dancers who are so devout that they can
forget themselves. Usually those who 'ride Sheikh' are only two or three people when the kuda kepang dance is
performed.

SOURCE VIA : DEENAMIK

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