The Papuan tribal identity is reflected in the interface and emphasis of their culture. In order to show their identity, theyneed to preserve it. Including when the tribe has a cultural identity in the form of a traditional dance. Tribes must continue to dance the dance so that it does not disappear. One of the typical dances that continues to be preserved is that of the Arfak tribe, who live in the Manokwari region of the island of Papua. The name of the dance is Tumbuk Tanah Dance. This dance lives on as it is still performed from generation to generation. All levels of society are allowed to do this.
The Tumbuk Tanah dance also has another name, namely the Snake Dance, because the movements are shaped like snakes on the ground. This dance has managed to become the identity of the Arfak tribe, which continues to enjoy the support of the entire community. Men can do it, women too, there is no age limit and it is done in many events, not just one. The process of transferring culture from old age to children is going well. There are at least three types of Tumbuk Tanah dance moves for different purposes.
First, Igemu Keyam. The Tumbuk Tanah dance movement was performed by the Arfak tribe to congratulate the heroes who had just won a victory on the battlefield. This movement is usually performed by children and women who welcome their father or husband home after the war. The men then join the dance circle and finally dance together.
Second, Igemu Ngakeyam. The Tumbuk Tanah dance is a movement performed by the Arfak tribe to find a soul mate. This step is usually performed by adult males to attract the attention of existing females. As the dance progresses, women may join in and eventually carry one of the men into the ring for marriage.
Third, Yaum. The Tumbuk Tanah dance movement is performed to welcome important guests and sing prayers or poems to their ancestors who they believe have protected them from all sources of calamity. This movement is performed by the entire Arfak tribe and invites important guests to dance and sing poetry together.
The three types of movements distinguished by their use in the Tumbuk Tanah dance represent the cultural, social and religious life of the Arfak tribe. From the culture they use as their identity or characteristic, the social values in society and even looking for a soulmate, to the religious value of speaking to the ancestors they believe in. There is no problem from Arfak tribe to keep the Tumbuk Tanah Dance still relevant in this era because all groups of the Arfak tribe, from the elderly to children and regardless of gender, still dance today.