The Dimension of Tasawwuf and Aesthetical Concept of the Indang Pariaman Art Form in Minangkabau -- Indonesia

Abstract

This article aims to reveal the dimension of tasawwuf and the aesthetical concept of the performing art indang Pariaman in Minangkabau. The dimension of tasawwuf is an aspect of spirituality that is related to the mystification of the number 7 (seven) – a method of ascending levels (tarqy) to enter into the realm of the Divine Being – “martabat nan tujuh”. The aesthetical concept is related to the aesthetical principle involving the number 7 (seven) in the organization of the indang Pariaman art form. This includes using 7 (seven) indang players (anak indang) in each group; holding performances for 14 nights in a row, which is the same as 2 x 7; and involving 21 indang groups in a performance, which is the same as 3 x 7. “Martabat nan tujuh” (literally “seven dignities”) is a principle of divinity in tasawwuf which states that everything that exists in the universe is an external aspect of a single divine essence, namely God. The goal of tasawwuf is to reach Dzat Al Haqq or the Divine Essence (God) and become one with Him. The seven stages in the method of tasawwuf are the implementation of the knowledge of martabat nan tujuh; the symbol seven in the organization of the performing art indang is related to the concept of aesthetics. The two are in different domains – art is a representation of a social concept. The problem addressed in this article is: the dimension of tassawuf and martabat nan tujuh and the aesthetical form of an indang Pariaman performance. The study is based on qualitative research and relies on the researcher as the main instrument for collecting, arranging, and analyzing data. The results of the study reveal a synchronization between the dimension of tasawwuf which is related to the mystification of the number 7 (seven) and the system of organization of an indang performance in the Pariaman community.

Keywords: dimension of tasawwuf, aesthetics, indang Pariaman, Minangkabau

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/78-04

Publication date: November 30th 2019