DownloadTalempong Pacik and Tambua Tansa in Minang Art
A variety of traditional arts continue to thrive, including tambua tansa, the plate dance, dancing on broken glass, randai, saluang music, talempong, rice stalk pupuik, and the sprout art form.
Tambua Tansa, in particular, is commonly featured at community celebrations. It’s also regularly used to liven up official government functions.
In general, Tambua Tansa is practiced across the nagari of Agam Regency. However, the tradition is most active around the Lake Maninjau region and Lubuk Basung District.
Tansa is a smaller version of the Tambua and is played using two special rattan sticks. It serves as the lead instrument, directing the Tambua musicians. The dancer is the head of the Tambua group, choosing which song or rhythm to play.
Tambua drums are made from specific types of hollowed-out wood. They come in various sizes. Larger ones have diameters of about 50 to 60 cm—these are called Tambadang Gadang. Smaller ones, 25 to 30 cm in diameter, are called Tambua Kaciak (small drum). A Tambua group typically includes 6 to 12 drums.
Tambua Tansa also functions to gather people together. It’s often played during community work such as road building or construction of other public facilities.
Typically, the group leader or a local leader will perform Tambua Tansa early in the morning at the work site. The resonating sounds signal residents to quickly join the gotong royong activity.
Once the communal work begins, Tambua Tansa continues to energize the workers. Rhythms are upbeat, often joined by the sound of rice stalk pupuik and the workers’ cheers. This helps ease fatigue and makes the hot sun more bearable.
At weddings and celebrations, Tambua Tansa adds important festive energy. The occasion would feel incomplete without the powerful beats of these drums.
Tambua Tansa is also used to welcome distinguished guests, such as during official visits by the regent, deputy regent, police chief, governor, district officers, and others to the nagari.
