L’architecture morphodynamique des coutumes de Sumatra Ouest: Silek, musique traditionnelle, et cartographie du terrain culturel Minangkabau

Translated title of the contribution: The morphodynamic architecture of West Sumatra customs: : Silek, traditional music, and mapping of the cultural land Minangkabau

Paul Howard Mason

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleOther

Abstract

Silek is a martial art that forms part of the intangible cultural heritage of West Sumatra. Music is incorporated into public performances of Silek, but is rare or absent during training. The movements of Silek form the basis of many Minangkabau performance arts including Tari Piring platedancing, Randai theatre, and the Silek Gelombang welcoming dance. Musical ensembles comprise local musicians who play traditional Minangkabau instruments. Music is not strongly correlated to the combative movements of Silek performances. However, music and movement may have been more strongly related during the twentieth century when boys were raised in a traditional male commune where they learnt music, dance, and martial arts. Coming from the same group, musicians and movement artists may have been more familiar with each other’s skills and accompaniment may have been more strongly related. Today, music and Silek are learnt separately. Silek has become the specialization of professionals and instruction is open to girls and boys. In a discussion of the changing cultural landscape of West Sumatra, this article describes performances of Silek and Silek Gelombang during the festival of Hari Idul Ad’ha in the Maninjau lakeside community of Paninjauan.
Translated title of the contributionThe morphodynamic architecture of West Sumatra customs: : Silek, traditional music, and mapping of the cultural land Minangkabau
Original languageFrench
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalCultures-Kairós
Volume1
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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