The Magical Remnants of Kerinci

Kerinci is known for its mystical art. One village, for example, has debus or a traditional art of spear piercing. Unlike the Banten art, debus performers in Kerinci are all females. Other villages have a tradition of calling tiger spirits. But the mystical art of Kerinci is slowly disappearing. Follow Tempo reporter Febriyanti to Kerinci, traveling from village to village. Follow a trail of mystical art and listen to tales of magical dances that are still alive.

January 27, 2009

Taratak taratak tak tum taratak taratak tak tum...
Taratak taratak tak tum taratak taratak tak tum...

AMID loud drum beats, the female performer suddenly reaches for a pair of swords in front of her.

With a hard thud and long wail, she stabs herself with the swords. In a blink, the two swords bend into the shape of a boomerang. Hundreds of spectators in the field in front of the Kerinci Regent's Office in Sungai Penuh gush.

The drum beating continues

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