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Malaysia, Mak Yong Theatre(Keris)
Description Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 Specific to the villages of the state of Kelantan in northwest Malaysia, where the tradition originated, Mak Yong is a kind of musical that combines acting, singing, music, dancing, and colorful costumes. Most roles are performed by women, and the stories are based on ancient Malay folk tales Kelantan-Pattani. The lyrics of the songs in Makyong primarily revolve around themes of war, loyalty to the king and kingdom, and the association of this loyalty with religious piety. Mak Yong is also associated with rituals in which shamans attempt to heal through song, trance-dance, and spirit possession. In addition, this performing art properly mixes Hindu and Islamic elements and portrays traditional Malay court life. The keris is an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade-patterning achieved through alternating laminations of iron and nickelous iron. Keris is used in Mak Yong performances as a symbol of the king's authority over his kingdom.
Photographer ICHCAP, KF ASEAN Culture House
Place File Size 15.1MB
Definition 300dpi File Format JPG
Copyright ICHCAP, KF ASEAN Culture House Copyright

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