CACI DANCE THE TRADIONAL DANCE OF MANGGARAIAN

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.