Muzik Tarian Tradisional Sabah.
SUMAZAU, ETNIK KADAZAN PENAMPANG, SABAH.
The Sumazau dance is a type of traditional folk dance that is highly renowned in Sabah and throughout Malaysia. It is a traditional dance of the Kadazandusun ethnic group, particularly in the Penampang district, often performed during the Tadau Kaamatan festival, which celebrates the Harvest Festival in Sabah every May. The inspiration for the Sumazau dance comes from the soaring flight of the eagle, observed by farmers resting in the paddy fields during the harvesting season. Each dancer performing this dance must move only a few centimeters away from the other dancers without making physical contact.
Ritually, the dance serves various functions, such as expressing gratitude related to planting and harvesting rice, warding off evil spirits, venerating the spirit of rice, and healing illnesses. The dance is performed by male and female farmers wearing their traditional attire. It is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of gongs, usually six gongs of varying sizes, and a drum with a unique rhythm. The duration and rhythm of the Sumazau dance beats vary according to the region and village.
The dance is performed with both hands raised to the shoulder level and waved like the flapping wings of a bird, following the slow and gentle rhythm of the music. Male and female dancers face each other and move their feet with small steps, while lifting and lowering their heels in accordance with the song's rhythm. As they dance, their hands are spread out, moving up and down like a flying bird. Sumazau is usually performed during festive occasions and banquet events, but its original purpose is to welcome the arrival of "Bambaazon" (the spirit of rice), which is traditionally done after the rice harvest.
Sumazau dancers, consisting of both men and women, typically wear all-black attire adorned with attractive patterns using gold-colored thread. Female dancers also wear a shawl and a waist belt made of silver trade coin dollars. Male dancers usually wear a headgear called "Sigar" in addition to their all-black attire and kick dry banana leaves. Nowadays, Sumazau dance is performed in various celebratory events such as weddings and welcoming ceremonies for notable individuals, where it is danced by everyone present, irrespective of their ethnic background and age, to liven up the event without wearing traditional black attire.