Perubahan dalam Ritual Siwang Kumpulan Bah Lut, Kampung Bukit Terang, Kampar, Perak

Abstract

Siwang ritual still continues to be practised among the Semai indigenous people at Kampung Bukit Terang, Kampar, Perak. This Semai legacy acquired by the people in this village is presently being practised through performances by the Bah Lut Group. Siwang Kebut and Siwang Asik are two varieties of the siwang ritual. Siwang Kebut is practised for healing purposes while Siwang Asik focuses on entertainment. At present, the siwang ritual evolves in accordance with the lifestyle of the people as well as other factors such as deforestation, technological development and government policies. This article discusses the changes in siwang ritual of the Bah Lut Group. Some aspects of the changes include their practice, functions, venue and time of the performance, accessories, costume and dance choreography. Nevertheless, the Bah Lut Group still upholds the source of the repertoire and musical instrument that is used in the siwang ritual. Observation method with series of interviews, video performance and photographs are used for data acquisition. Today, the Bah Lut Group actively performs the siwang ritual as a cultural performance in many government, corporate and even private functions. This documentation process is vital in sustaining and maintaining the treasures of the unique siwang ritual culture.