VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia has a variety of unique traditions. One of them is the Head Fighting Dance. This dance art is called ‘Mpa'a Ntumbu Tuta’. The Mpa'a Ntumbu Tuta is a traditional dance of the Ntori village community, Wawo District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. It has existed since the 15th century. According to the stories of the ancestors from generation to generation, Ntumbu is estimated to have existed since 580 AD. This dance is usually performed in traditional ritual ceremony, circumcision and welcoming important guests, such as the royal family, who come to visit the Ntori Village area.

Before the show starts, offerings or rituals are a process that must be carried out and it is very important not to be abandoned, based on the belief of the people of Ntori Village. Soji, (as the offerings) is a prayer with the hope that the Mpa'a Ntumbu Tuta performance will not experience bad things, such as physical and mental accidents while performing. For the implementation of this ritual, two people will be selected who alternately bang their heads or what is called, "Sabua Dou Ma Te'e Sabua Dou Ma Ntumbu" (one in a defensive position and another one in an attacking position). The drumming and Silu (a musical instrument made of palm leaves) accompany the Mpaa Ntumbu participants. One participant prepares to attack or another one, the Tee will receive the attack, and the Tee will take a certain distance before finally getting closer to the recipient of the attack. Before being attacked, the participant will raise his thumb as a sign that he is ready. Then, the Tee attacks the opponent's head, after that it takes turns.

Ntumbu matches are led and supervised by Sando or "Shaman" who also serves as referee. Despite banging their heads against each other, none of the Ntumbu participants feel painful or bleeding. The immune effect is believed to come from the incantations recited by traditional elders and prayer water. The participants also surrender completely to the Almighty so that they are not afraid of being painful to do Ntumbu. In Ntumbu, no one wins or loses. In fact, the participants who follow Ntumbu will not feel a grudge against their opponent.