Caci dance is traditional war dance of manggaraian in Flores
island, it is the game of dexterity test in
martial arts combined
with a dance. Performed by two males dancers who dance and fight each other
using a whip as weapon and shield as a the protector and the boat of things are
made of buffalo leather. This dance is often displayed at various events such
as when the celebration of the harvest season (hang Woja), ritual new year
(penti), and various other ceremonies, and now it’s normally performance to
celebrate Indonesian independence day.
According to historic caci dance originated from the
tradition of the Manggarai community where men fight each other to test their
courage and agility in battle. The dance was developed into an art in which
there is a dance, song and music accompaniment to add the value of arts. Caci
comes from the word “ca” means “one” and “ci” means “test”. So the abuse can be
interpreted as a test of dexterity one on one.
As its function this dance is the way for the Men in
Manggarai to prove their virility, both in terms of courage and dexterity.
Although in performing contained violence but this dance has a message of peace
such as the spirit of sportsmanship, mutual respect, and resolved without rancor
between the dancer. This matter can show that they have spirit and heroic in
their self.
Caci dance is performed by a group of male dancers armed
with a whip and shield. In the show, a group of dancers divided into two
sections and competed against each other. Before the dancers competed, the show
first started with an other dance that called Danding tandak dance. The dance
is performed by dancers that consist of male and female as the opening
ceremony. After the opening dance followed by Caci dance attractions.
Two dancers would enter the arena, first dancer warming up
by doing dance. Then they challenged each other while singing traditional
songs, and then the game began. In this attraction there is a rule,
players can only hit the upper body of his opponents such as the arms, back, or
chest. The dancer must be able to deflect or avoid the opponent’s attack, If
not he will get injury on his body by the whip. The defender will be declared
lost if attacking by whip in his eyes.
In Caci dance performances are usually accompanied by
traditional musical instruments such as drums and gongs, and the player also
will sing some traditional song that called neggo. In the performance of each
group usually has its own supporters. Like a sports game, supporters are also
cheering provide support and encouragement to the dancers to win. During Caci
dance perfomance, dancers use a tradional custome look like white color trouser
combine withtradional sarong that called towe songke, cover head and the
upper body without clothes.
