Tari Japin Melayu (I)

For male or male/female participants. A group of around 10 young men and women performing the japin dance, also known as zapin, accompanied by a group of musicians playing a set of 4 hand drums (marwas) and a violin. In this image, only 3 of the young men are seen and the musicians are not visible. Tari Japin Melayu can also be accompanied by an orkes (ensemble) gambus comprising a singer of pantun verse in Malay, a fretless short-necked lute (gambus), a violin, a set of 4 small hand drums (marwas) and a rebana (frame drum). The dance has an introduction, several sections and a conclusion. It is believed to have derived from the Hadramaut in present day Yemen. Copyright 1982. Notes prepared by Bronia Kornhauser with Margaret Kartomi, School of Music-Conservatorium, Monash University. Photography by Hidris Kartomi.