IN the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Sandakan District, the Suluk ethnic community preserves a unique tradition through the enchanting dance known as 'Pangalay Ha Agong'.
Rooted in centuries-old customs, this traditional dance not only celebrates the arrival of guests and dignitaries in the Suluk community village but also reflects the intricate relationship between the Suluk people and the eagle, known as the 'linggisan' bird in the Suluk Language.
The term 'Pangalay' or 'alay' in Suluk translates to 'celebrate,' embodying the spirit of welcoming and festivity that accompanies this traditional dance. Meanwhile 'Agong,' a significant musical instrument used in the performance. Resembling a round gong with a distinctive bump in the middle, 'Agong' is the term for 'gong.'
According to Suluk beliefs, the dance's motif draws inspiration from the majestic movement of the 'linggisan' bird, a species often found along the seashores, gracefully gliding over the ocean in search of sustenance. From this natural spectacle, the Suluk community derived a dance that mirrors the bird's fluid movements, transforming it into a captivating cultural motif.
As the performance unfolds, female dancers initiate the dance with movements emulating the eagle's soaring flight. Meanwhile, male dancers accompany them, skillfully wielding gongs and creating rhythmic beats, acting as a signal for the female dancers to ascend to the top of the gongs. What follows is a display of grace and skill as the female dancers dance atop the gongs, their movements mirroring the fluidity and elegance of the 'linggisan' bird.
A distinctive feature of Pangalay Ha Agong is the exclusive participation of female dancers on the gongs, while male dancers encircle them, playfully engaging and teasing during the performance. This dance serves as a visual representation of Suluk heritage, a narrative etched in every movement, embodying both tradition and storytelling.
In the Suluk ethnic tradition, gongs were once considered regalia, symbolising leadership, respectfulness, and bravery. Large gongs adorned the houses of Suluk dignitaries, signifying not only their status but also their commitment to preserving the cultural heritage embedded in the dance of eagles.
As Pangalay Ha Agong continues to mesmerise audiences, it stands as a living testament to Suluk heritage, a dance that bridges the past and present, inviting all to witness the rich cultural legacy of the Suluk ethnic community.