Zapin
Zapin
COSTUMES OF ZAPIN
SKU: S104835000184998340
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ABOUT THE COSTUMES
It begins in the early of 15th century where the influence of the Zapin Dance and the spread of the Islamic Religion started. Originally, Zapin performances were popular among the royalty (Farah Mirruddin, 2016).
How does the history of Zapin influence the costumes?
This is why, as we link it back to the the dressing etiquette of the royalty, it had heavily influenced the costumes of the amazing Zapin.
What is a Tanjak?
The Tanjak is a traditional Malay headress worn by men. It is usually made of Songket cloth folded and tied in a certain makeup style. The Tanjak is more widely used in ceremonial, such as at royal ceremonies but in the present day, it is also used by grooms during weddings (Fadzil Azwan, 2019). Therefore as Zapin Dance were often showcased and performed to the royalty, this is why the Tanjak is incorporated in their costume for men.
The Men
As you can see from the slides of the Zapin costumes, the men are dashingly fitted in, what is called, the Baju Melayu (Slide 2), Kain Samping (Slide 2) as well as the Tanjak (Slide 2). As shoes, the men would wear a footwear called Capal. In some cases, the Songkok is also a common alternative to the headwear of the men (Farah Mirrudin, 2016).
The Women
The Women of Zapin Dance are commonly beautifully donned in a Baju Kurung, with a flower on their head, a Kain Samping (Slide 3) and Capal as shoes (Farah Mirrudin, 2016).
The flower placed on their head is also known as Sanggul. Sanggul comes in different shapes, forms and colors but the most common Sanggul worn for Zapin Dancers are flowers (Farah Mirrudin, 2016). Another representation of a Sanggul can be seen in the Joget section.
Another common headwear for the ladies is a clothing called the Selendang or in English, the Headscarf (Slide 4).
What is a Sanggul?
The Sanggul Lintang is an elaborate hair-knot, or Shignon, made from copper and gold. A more elaborate wedding adornment can also comprise real flowers, set into the Sanggul with Cucuk Sanggul, or intricate hairpins.
Some Sanggul Lintang can weigh up to two kilogrammes, contain over 70 Cucuk Sanggul and take over two hours to create.
It is often worn to lift the dignity of woman. This is why it is used as part of the costumes for the ladies as it enhances their appearances and lifts their confidence. It is also known that no bridal outfit will be completed without a Sanggul (Farnmals, 2012).
What is a Selendang?
The headscarf is garb worn by Muslim women to cover their hair (Slide 4). As mentioned, the spread of the Islamic Religion in the Malay community started around the same time of the spread of the Zapin.
This is why women then had started to don the Selendang even when practicing dance.
The way of wearing was definitely much different than the way women don it now.
References
Fadzil. A. (2019, August 15). Tanjak. Walkabout Asia.
Farah. M. (2016, March 2). Zapin. Traditional Malay Dance.
http://farahamiruddindnmc5a.blogspot.com/2016/03/zapin.html
Farnamals. (2012, May 16). Cucuk, Sanggul, Lintang. Kahwin Chronicles.
https://kahwinkhronicles.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/cucuk-sanggul-lintang