Saman Dance

Aceh province is much influenced by the Islamic culture. Hence the traditional art such as folk songs and dances mostly represent the love and the thankful to God. One of the most famous traditional dance from Aceh is Saman dance.

Saman dance is the development of the art of dance, which originally was called “Pok pok Ane” is singing a poem to the accompaniment of clapping hands, pat his chest and thigh slap. Then by Sheikh Saman Pok pok Ane art is altered and embellished with various variations.

Saman dance was born arround XIV century, until today is still growing and still in its original form and the dance that has become well-known abroad with the name "Thousand hands". The dance created and developed by an Islamic religious leader called Sheikh Saman, so the name of the dance similar (synonyms) a creator himself.

An ensemble of men and women, perfectly lined up in a row, their arms weaving complex patterns as the tempo quickens. The Saman Dance show is usually done at night.

Saman dance is usually done at home, field, and some that use the stage. Saman dance was originally performed to celebrate noble occasions, big day, wedding, holidays, as well as to celebrate the birth of Nabi Muhammad S.A.W.