Mak Inang
Encyclopedia
Mak Inang is a traditional Malay
dance that originated from the time of Malacca Sultanate
. The dance is accompanied by a unique music which is believed to have been composed by the order of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca.
In the past, both song and dance were taught to the Inang of the palace ("singer dancers") for them to perform it during royal functions. The dance’s movements and its music are so graceful and have all the qualities for court performances.
Mak Inang dance is also known as Si Kembang Cina, reflecting the existence of Chinese influence in its music. Nowadays, the dance is refined and called with its modern name "Inang", and usually performed in social functions like wedding receptions.
Malay people
Malays are an ethnic group of Austronesian people predominantly inhabiting the Malay Peninsula, including the southernmost parts of Thailand, the east coast of Sumatra, the coast of Borneo, and the smaller islands which lie between these locations...
dance that originated from the time of Malacca Sultanate
Malacca Sultanate
Established by the Malay ruler Parameswara, the Sultanate of Malacca was first a Hindu kingdom in 1402 and later became Muslim following the marriage of the princess of Pasai in 1409. Centered in the modern town of Malacca, the sultanate bordered the Ayutthaya Kingdom of Siam in the north to...
. The dance is accompanied by a unique music which is believed to have been composed by the order of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca.
In the past, both song and dance were taught to the Inang of the palace ("singer dancers") for them to perform it during royal functions. The dance’s movements and its music are so graceful and have all the qualities for court performances.
Mak Inang dance is also known as Si Kembang Cina, reflecting the existence of Chinese influence in its music. Nowadays, the dance is refined and called with its modern name "Inang", and usually performed in social functions like wedding receptions.