Search
Close this search box.

Performed in celebrations and rituals

Tor-Tor Dance

At ancient times, the art of dancing in Batak land was a main media during the rite, and it still had mystical things.

Indonesia-Tourism.com

Tor-Tor dance is a traditional dance from Batak tribe in North Sumatra. At ancient times, the art of dancing in Batak land was a main media during the rite, and it still had mystical things. Moreover, the dance was also performed in happy times like harvesting and wedding ceremony.

according to history, tor tor dance is used in rituals associated with spirits. The spirit is invoked and “walked” into the stone statues, which was the symbol of the ancestors. Those statues were then moved like dancing, but with a rigid motion. The movement is identical with feet movement (tiptoe) and hand movements.

There are 3 types of Tor-tor dance. There is Tor tor Pangurason (cleanup dance). This dance is usually held at a big party.Before the party starts, the place and location of the party is first be cleaned by using lime to be far from danger.

Second, there is tor tor Sipitu Cawan (Dance of the seven bowls). This dance is usually held during the inauguration of a king. This dance is also derived from the seven daughters of heaven to bathe in a lake at the top of the Pusuk Buhit mountain along with the arrival of piso sipitu sasarung (the seven knife sheath).

Last, there is tor tor Tunggal Panaluan, which is a cultural ritual. This dance is usually held when there is disaster strikes the village. Tunggal Panaluan is danced by the shaman to be guided solutions to resolve the issue.

learn more

North Sumatra

How far back?

Point in Timeline | Post 500 CE 74%

2020 | Present