Ngajat

What is Ngajat?

The Ngajat is a traditional folk dance of the Iban community in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is also found among Dayak Iban and Bidayuh groups in Brunei and Indonesia. The dance involves graceful, rhythmic jumping and movement. Male dancers often imitate tribal warriors returning from battle. Female dancers perform elegant steps while carrying traditional textiles. The performance reflects both martial strength and agricultural celebration.

Where does Ngajat come from?

Iban oral history traces the dance to the 16th century. Ancestors followed the footprints of a common hill myna bird. They then observed a great argus flapping its wings. These animal movements inspired the dance steps known as Bungai Ajat and Bunga Ajat. The dance has been part of Iban culture since at least the 1500s. It serves as a link between nature and human expression.

How is Ngajat danced?

Dancers hop and step in time with the music. Movements mimic the leg actions of the hill myna. Arm gestures replicate the wing flaps of the great argus. In warrior versions, dancers hold shields and swords. Some male dancers lift heavy wooden mortars with their teeth. This displays physical strength and masculinity. Dancers may form circles or lines. The choreography varies by type and occasion.

The music of Ngajat

The performance is guided by percussion instruments. Large and medium gongs provide the main rhythm. Small gongs add intricate patterns. Drums called ketebung or dumba keep the beat. A string instrument named belikan accompanies the group. The music drives the energetic hopping and stomping of the dancers.

Costume and what is carried

Male dancers wear thick armour made of goat skin. They wear feathered headdresses and carry weapons. Shields are called terabai. Swords include ilang, jimpul, langgai tinggang, or niabor. Female dancers wear Pua Kumbu fabric costumes. They wear ngepan headdresses. Accessories include chest hooks, waist cloths, and bracelets. Earrings complete the female attire.

When and where Ngajat is danced

The dance is performed during harvest festivals like Gawai Dayak. It marks celebrations after successful hunts or wars. Specific types welcome guests to longhouses. Others celebrate the completion of headhunting raids, now symbolized by coconuts. The dance is taught in schools and performed at cultural events. It is recognized as national heritage in Malaysia.

Styles of Ngajat

Several styles exist within the Ngajat tradition. Ngajat Serakup is a standardized stage version created in the 1980s. Ngajat Bebunoh shows hunting and combat actions. Ngajat Lesong involves lifting heavy mortars with teeth. Ngajat Pua Kumbu features women dancing with textiles. Ngajat Mai Antu Pala is a welcoming dance for festivals. Each type has distinct movements and props.

What Ngajat means

The Malaysian government classifies the dance as intangible cultural heritage. It represents Iban identity and history. The dance preserves stories of ancestors and animals. International competitions have featured Ngajat dancers. Teams from Sarawak have won awards in South Korea and the United States. The dance continues to evolve while maintaining traditional roots.

Days Ngajat is danced for

Questions people ask about Ngajat

Good reading and sources

• Ngajat on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Ngajat on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo