Singkil and Limbaiyan among dances to take centre stage
Published on: Thursday, April 28, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Among the ethnic dances that will take centre stage in this year's Sabah Fest are the Singkil and Limbaiyan. The Singkil dance can be traced back to the Maranao of the Philippines and is performed by the Suluk people of Sabah. The Maranao influence stems from mixed marriages between the Suluk, Maranao and Bajau Civuto (Sibutu) people in Semporna, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.
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It was commonly performed in the palace in the olden days and is a dance of courtship. Princes and princesses would interact amidst the clashing of crisscrossed bamboo poles in syncopated rhythm.The dance also signifies a Manuk Dewata or Sarimanok, a legendary bird and a ubiquitous symbol of Maranao art. It also symbolizes the beauty of the princess for certain legends.
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The Singkil highlights the dancing skills of the main dancers while the accompanying dancers are seen using a fan known as the Kab-Kab or Kayab. A kulintangan, tambul (drum) and gong ensemble always accompany the dance.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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The movements are mostly slow and it is performed only among women during three rituals namely the 'Magkalamat' (healing ritual), 'Magpaigal jinn' (Sea Bajau full moon ritual) and 'Magomboh' (annual rice harvest ritual where seven bowls of rice are presented as offerings).
