The Betawi mask dance (Betawi: Topèng Betawi) is a theatrical form of dance and drama of the Betawi people in Jakarta, Indonesia.[1] This dance-drama encompasses dance, music, bebodoran (comedy) and lakon (drama).[2] The Betawi mask dance demonstrates the theme of Betawi society life which is represented in the form of dance and drama. It is called mask dance because the dancers use topeng (mask) during dancing and Betawi people believed that the topeng has magical powers.[3]

Betawi mask dance
Betawi mask dance performance
Native nameTari Topeng Betawi
GenreTraditional dance drama
InventorBetawi people
OriginIndonesia

History and origin

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The Betawi mask dance was first created by Mak Kinang and Kong Djioen in 1930 which was inspired by Cirebonese mask dance. This theatrical form of dance drama developed in the area of the Betawi Pinggir community (Betawi Ora) in Jakarta.[4]

Social functions

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The Betawi mask dance has some social functions in Betawi society. In the past, Betawi people believed that the Betawi mask dance had a function to keep them away from dangers, diseases, and calamities.[5] However, nowadays, Betawi occasions often perform the Betawi mask dance as a part of the occasion, such as in Betawi weddings, circumcisions, and Lebaran.

Musical instruments

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In the Betawi mask dance performance, musical instruments that are usually played include rebab, gong, kendang, kempul, kulanter, and kecrek.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Tari Topeng Betawi Tarian Tradisional dari Jakarta". Negeriku Indonesia. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  2. ^ ASEAN. "Traditional Betawi Mask Dance, Traditional Dance From Jakarta?". Indonesiar. Archived from the original on 2020-12-05. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  3. ^ "The Sacred Betawi Mask Dance". Indonesia Tourisme. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  4. ^ PI, Redaksi. "Tari Topeng Betawi". Pariwisata Indonesia. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  5. ^ "Topeng Betawi, Seni Tari". encyclopedia jakarta. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  6. ^ "Topeng Betawi Dance". setubabakanbetawi. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
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