Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ondel-ondel Betawi


Ondel-ondel Betawi (Native tribe of Jakarta) is a form of folk performances which are often presented in the parties of the Betawinese people. Apparently ondel-ondel are the portray of the ancestors who protects their grandchildren or the people of a village.
Ondel-ondel are a form of a large doll that stands about 2.5 meters tall, with a diameter of ± 80 cm, made ​​of bamboo, which is prepared in such a way so a person can fit inside the doll and play it. The face of ondel ondel are usually painted in red for the men, while women’s ondel-onel are usually painted in white.
In Pasundan a similar type of this folk tradition is known as Badawang, in Central Java called Barongan Buncis, while in Bali is better known as Barong Landung.  It is estimated that these type of art had been performed since before the spread of Islam in Java.
Originally ondel-ondel serves as a repellent force to protect the people from ghosts. Today ondel-ondel typically used to add a festive folk festivals or for welcoming important guests, for example, at the opening of a new building. No matter how swift currents of modernization, ondel-ondel is still survive and provide a softer side of Jakarta.

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