Okokan

Okokan is one of unique entertainment art from Tabanan regency. Now okokan become one of entertainment art which most perform in every event in Tabanan. This entertainment very unique, because the music instrument which used is not general music instrument which used by Balinese to accompanying a ceremony or Bali dance, but this music instrument is used by cow breeder to call up and instructing his livestock. This music instrument also hanged on the cow’s neck by its breeder to knowing where the cow is.

By move bowing or when dissipating a mosquito from its body, this music instrument will move and generating sound. Which demand of entertainment that more innovative, so this music instrument can be used as an entertainment as Baleganjur music. The loud sound and reverberating which released from this music instrument, is accompanied to uniform a motion of its player become separate fascination.

The player is supposed as a cow then there someone more which holding a wood (whip) supposed as its breeder (shepherd). This music instrument can be used as welcome music on the open yard, or accompanying a parade or carnival. On the performance, okokan usually accompanied by barong dance. Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.

The dance is actually a battle. The Barong costume is sacred, imbued with the soul of the Barong. It performs a kind of exorcism every time it dances. The dance is, to us, an entertaining show; full of humor and action. To the Balinese, also, it is an entertaining show. In addition, it is an opportunity to keep the cosmos in balance. The Barong battles the evil Rangda.

source : tanahlot.net