The
Sewang is a ritual dance of almost every tribe in the country. It may be called by a different name in each state, but basically it's a dance.
In the state of Pahang, where the largely Semai sub-tribe resides, the Sewang dance is performed whenever an event takes place in their community - birth of a child, death, marriage, healing, welcoming a guest, good harvest, etc, etc. If the event is of good tidings - a marriage or welcoming a guest - the beat of the Sewang is much lively and faster. If it is a sober occasion, like death of someone in the village, the dance and the beat is slower.
The Sewang troupe is usually made up of about 20 or so, plus the dancers. Their musical instrument consists of a Gong, a 2-string handmade wooden Guitar, bamboo hand percussion, and a lot of wailing from the musicians to accompany the dance.
The Sewang dance can be performed anything between half an hour to 6 hours, depending on the occasion. Usually, when it is performed for visitors in their village, the village community will also turn up to watch and support the dance. There were occasions where the dancers got high and went on a trance.
One of the best place to watch or participate in the Sewang in their natural and authentic environment is at the Ecolife Basecamp in Pos Betau, Pahang. A package can be arranged for day trippers or a 2-day stay at the basecamp. Visit ecolifecamp.blogspot.com for activities at the camp.
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| A typical Sewang troupe |
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| The lead singer |
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| The exciting, vibrant, colourful ritual Sewang dance |
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| The 2-string bamboo guitar |
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| The percussionist and background 'wailers' |
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| The troupe's families normally accompany a performance |
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| Let's do the Sewang! |
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