Melanau is one of the ethnic groups indigenous to Sarawak. They are also known as A-Likou meaning people of the river in the Mukah dialect. They are settled in scattered communities along the main tributaries of the Rajang River and Bintulu. Melanau was classified into several groups, the largest being the Matu-Daro and each group has its own characteristic dialect. However, they still share the same culture and background. Traditionally, they were fishermen, paddy farmers, and sago farmers.

The Melanau community also has its own unique traditional art and performance dances. Normally, these dances are performed during “Pesta Kaul” which is when they celebrate their new year. Historically, these dances were created through dreams and daily activities. The movements in these dances are also influenced by their daily activities and movements, for example, movements involved in rowing a boat.

Menyak is one of the processes to make sago. Therefore, Tarian Menyak is a dance that portrays a harmonious atmosphere during the processing of sago pearls. The movements in this dance cover the process of making sago from the cutting of rumbia tree, separating, and finally production of sago pearls. This dance is normally performed in a group and not solo.

The costume for Tarian Menyak is similar to other official ceremonies, with the only difference in the length of the sleeves, pants and the buttons on the shirt. The costume is normally black in colour as black symbolises affection between each other. The male dancers will be wearing a headpiece (kain buleq), a black shirt with 5 buttons, black pants, pelikat and a cloth to tie around their waist. The female dancers will be wearing a hat (terendak), a black shirt with short sleeves and a kain sarung around their waist.

(Tarian Menyak-Image taken from flickr.com)

(Tarian Menyak-Image taken from flickr.com)

References

Everyculture.com. 2022. Orientation - Melanau. Retrieved from https://www.everyculture.com/East-Southeast-Asia/Melanau-Orientation.html

Wenceslaus. 2008. melanau dance. Retrieved from http://tuahmelanau.blogspot.com/2008/06/melanau-dance.html

B. Mat, M., 1997. MODUL TARIAN MENYAK (MELANAU). Retrieved from https://adoc.pub/modul-tarian-menyak-melanau.html