Performativity of Gandang Tasa in the Tabuik Naiak Pangkek and Hoyak Tabuik Rituals in Pariaman

Abstract

This research was funded by the Directorate for Research and Community Service, Directorate General for Research and Development, Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, Republic of Indonesia.

Abstract

This article aims to reveal the performativity of gandang tasa in the tabuik naiak pangkek (tabuik for “raising the platform”) and hoyak tabuik rites in the Tabuik ritual in Pariaman. Tabuik naiak pangkek is a ritual activity which combines two parts of the tabuik structure that have been made separately, namely pangkek ateh (the upper platform/section) and pangkek bawah (the lower platform/section). This ritual begins early morning and continues until later in the morning on the day of the Tabuik ritual. Throughout the ritual, the gandang tasa is played to make the atmosphere livelier. The hoyak tabuik ritual takes place in the afternoon and during this ritual, the tabuik is shaken, pounded, and carried on foot to the edge of Gandoriah Beach in Pariaman. Throughout the procession to the beach, the gandang tasa is played energetically and with full enthusiasm. The research results show that the performativity of gandang tasa in building an atmosphere of excitement plays a very important role, as shown by the gandang tasa players’ behaviour, expressions, and total immersion in the music, as they become deeply involved in the ritual they are performing.

Keywords: Performativity, gandang tasa, tabuik naiak pangkek, and hoyak tabuik.

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/76-02

Publication date:September 30^th 2019