The cultures in Aceh are strongly influenced by Islam, but there are
still traces of Hinduism, which was former religion in Aceh. The Hindu
flavor is mainly noticed in traditional ceremonies. There are three
mayor ethnic groups in Aceh; Acehnese, Gayo and Alas. The Acehnese
inhabit mainly the coastal areas of the province. However, in west and
south Aceh, they intermingled with Minangkabaus, which reflected in
language, design and customs. The Gayo and Alas groups are numerically
smaller and inhabit the highland of Aceh. The Gayo to the north and the
Alas to the south. Their languages are distinctive and related to the
Batak languages in Sumatera Utara (North Sumatera Province).
In Aceh
there are 50 types of dance, 20 kinds of music, 10 form of literature
and 9 tradition arts. Aceh Traditional Dances: In old times dances were either performed at
the courts for sultans and their guest or in the villages as
entertainment after hard work in the fields. Today dances are mostly
performed at special government functions, but in many areas local
dancing traditions and groups carry on the heritage.
Each region of Aceh
has own version of dances or its own indigenous ones. The costumes used
are basically long sleeved tops and sarongs wrapped around the waist
and colors are often brilliant. Women usually wear head pieces, but the
use of jewelry depends on the aspect of life that is depicted by the
dance. The Acehnese dance all have certain characteristics in common.
Islamic values are often spread in Aceh through the dances. The dances
deal with daily social activities. All Acehnese dances are performed by a
group and are dynamic with stepping feet, beating of chests, hips and
shoulder. Starting slowly the rythm increases during the dance. Songs and
poem are always recited by dancers themselves.
Some of the popular dances are :
