EBEG

Ebeg is a dance form from the Banyumas area that uses a horse doll made of woven bamboo and
its head is given with fibers as hair. The Ebeg dance in the Banyumas area depicts war soldiers
riding horses. The dance moves that depict valor are demonstrated by Ebeg players. It is
estimated that this Ebeg art has existed since the 9th century, precisely when humans began to
embrace animism and dynamism beliefs. In addition, Ebeg is considered a truly original cultural
art from Banyumasan Java, considering that there is absolutely no influence from other cultures
in it. In contrast to the Wayang which is an appreciation of Indian Hindu culture with various
characters. Ebeg did not tell any particular character and was not influenced by any particular
religion, either Hinduism or Islam. Even in the songs, they tell a lot about the life of traditional
people, sometimes containing rhymes, life advice and telling stories about the art of Ebeg itself.
Almost all of the songs sung in the Ebeg show use Banyumasan Javanese or commonly called
Ngapak complete with its distinctive accent. Rarely is there an Ebeg song that uses Mataraman
Javanese lyrics and languages other than Banyumasan. Some examples of songs in Ebeg that are
often sung are Sekar Gadung, Eling-Eling, Ricik-Ricik Banyumasan, Tole-Tole, Waru Doyong,
Ana Maning Modele Wong Purbalingga and others.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

In Banyumas, ebeg is usually performed to the accompaniment of calung banyumasan music or

banyumasan gamelan. Nayaga or accompaniment has been integrated with the dancers. Initially,
Ebeg performances were usually accompanied by a musical instrument called Bendhe. This
musical instrument has physical characteristics like a gong but is smaller in size made of metal.
Then other musical instruments are Gendhing Banyumasan accompaniment such as drums,
saron, kenong, gongs and trumpets.

My opinion about ebeg must be preserved because it is our culture, our hallmark as Banyumasan
residents.