Saba dance

Saba dance (Malay: Tarian Saba) is a traditional Malay dance originated in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. It is a ritualistic dance that was used for healing purposes.^[1]

The dance are usually performed in the evenings which can be held for about two or three days. Before such performance could be held, the lead performer called Abang Peduang^[2] needs to do of what is called Upacara Memanggil Dewa (God calling ceremony) so that the healing process can be done smoothly. During the Saba ceremony, performers make various animal movements around the Saba tree made out of young coconuts in order to appease spirits and also for bountiful harvests for the next season.^[3] The Saba musicians usually use traditional musical instruments such as Gong, Rebana and Umbang (including Anok Umbang, a musical instrument unique to the dance).