Talempong Pacik

Talempong Pacik and Tambua Tansa of Minang Art

Traditional arts that remain vibrant include tambua tansa, the piriang dance, the piriang dance on broken glass, randai, saluang, talempong, rice stalk pupuik, and sprout art.

Tambua Tansa, in particular, is a familiar presence at community celebrations. It is also frequently featured to enliven official government events.

Generally, Tambua Tansa has developed across the nagari in Agam Regency. Its most rapid growth, however, is in the area around Lake Maninjau and in Lubuk Basung District.

A Tansa is a small-sized Tambua drum, played with two special rattan sticks. It serves as the command instrument for the Tambua musicians. The dancer, who is also the group leader, uses the Tansa to signal which song or rhythm will be played.

The Tambua itself is crafted from specific types of hollowed-out wood. Its size varies. Some are large, with diameters of approximately 50 to 60 cm. This type is called Tambadang Gadang. Those with a diameter of 25 to 30 cm are called Tambua Kaciak (small drum). A group typically includes between 6 to 12 tambua drums.

Tambua Tansa serves to gather people. It is commonly used during gotong royong (communal work) for road construction or building other public facilities.

Typically, the group leader or a nagari leader starts playing the tambua tansa at the communal work site in the morning. The thundering sound quickly summons the community members to the location.

Once the work begins, Tambua Tansa continues to encourage the workers. The rhythm becomes lively and energetic, often accompanied by the sound of the rice stalk pupuik and the cheers of the workers, helping them forget their fatigue and the blazing sun.

At wedding feasts, Tambua Tansa is essential for creating a lively atmosphere. The celebration would feel bland without its powerful roar.

Tambua Tansa is also used to welcome honored guests, such as during official visits to the nagari by the regent, deputy regent, police chief, governor, camat, and others.

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