“Rencong”, like “keris” in Jawa, and “kujang” in West Jawa, is a traditional weapon. It is a combination of metallurgy, the skill of a master craftsman, and arts. Verses from Al Qur’an engraved on the blade of this small dagger, will increase one’s self-confidence. In the “siwah”-type rencong, the hilt is not curved, [...]
The Acehnese are acquainted with the arts of decoration, handicraft, architecture, and weaving although their developments are virtually slow. ”Rumoh Aceh” (Aceh House), whose basic form is a square supported with four or more pillars, is essentially the end result of a final stage after centuries of undergoing changes.
The arts carving and writing are [...]
The characteristic of Acehnese traditional dances:
- Islamic
- At early stages, it was intended for ritual purposes only, not for public
- A harmonious combination of dance, music and literature
- Performed in groups but within a limited space
- Repetitious and monotonous physical movements
- It takes a long time to perform.
Today Acehnese dances can be enjoyed by the [...]
Natural environment and social-cultural conditions are factors establishing the types of the game played or performed by the people. But one thing is obvious: the absence of woman if the game or performance is shown in public.
Since Alas people live along Alas river, games are also played on the riversides, such as [...]
Song, declamations, and riddles are dominant in Gayo literature. Architecture, carvings, and decorations are not conspicuous.
As regards music, Gayo people have created some instruments. “Teganing” is made from piece of bamboo and the strings are made by prying its skins. The sound is produced by hitting the strings with a sliced bamboo. The opposite [...]
The Gayo ethnic group is discussed exclusively here, because they have preserved certain cultural elements which do not exist in other ethnic group. However, a brief description on their ethnic background is worthwhile to enable us to appreciate their culture more appropriately.
Regionally, Gayo can be devided into four sub-ethnic-groups: “Gayo Laut Tawar” (around Laut Tawar [...]
