Talempong Pacik

Talempong Pacik and Tambua Tansa: Traditional Minang Arts

Among the surviving traditional arts are tambua tansa, the plate dance, the plate dance on broken glass, randai, saluang, talempong, rice stalk pupuik, and the art of sprouts.

Tambua Tansa, in particular, is closely associated with community celebrations. Even official government events are often enlivened by Tambua Tansa performances.

Generally, Tambua Tansa has spread across various nagari in Agam Regency. However, its most vibrant development occurs in the Lake Maninjau surrounding area and Lubuk Basung District.

Tansa is a small-sized tambua, played with two specialized rattan sticks. It serves as the command instrument for tambua musicians. The dancer leads the tambua group and determines which song or rhythm will be performed.

Tambua, on the other hand, is crafted from certain types of hollowed-out wood. Sizes vary—some are large, with diameters around 50 to 60 cm. This type is called Tambadang Gadang. Smaller tambua, with diameters of 25 to 30 cm, are known as Tambua Kaciak (small drum). A typical tambua group consists of 6 to 12 drums.

Tambua tansa can serve to gather people. It is commonly used during gotong royong road construction or the building of other public facilities.

Usually, the group leader or a nagari leader performs tambua tansa at the mutual assistance site early in the morning. The thundering sound of tambua tansa quickly calls community members to the location.

Once gotong royong begins, tambua tansa continues to motivate the workers. The rhythm is typically lively, accompanied by the sound of rice stalk pupuik and the cheers of those working. This helps ease the feeling of fatigue and the scorching sun.

In wedding celebrations, tambua tansa plays a vital role in creating a lively atmosphere. The event would feel incomplete without the powerful beats of tambua tansa.

Tambua tansa is also used to welcome honored guests. It is commonly played during official visits to the nagari, such as for the regent, deputy regent, police chief, governor, district head, and others.