February 16th, 2011
'Kuda Lumping' project at library looks at Javanese tradition

The San Marcos Public Library will feature a craft project Saturday to create a version of a “Kuda Lumping,” the Javanese dance horse pictured above.

STAFF REPORT

The San Marcos Public Library, 625 East Hopkins Street, invites children ages five and older and their families to make an unusual craft at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The one-of-a-kind crafting event will feature Fullbright scholar Nita Novianti explaining how to make “Kuda Lumping,” also called trance horse or dancing horse.

Novianti also will demonstrate a traditional Javanese dance. The Kuda Lumping is a traditional Javanese art performance from Indonesia using a horse made of woven bamboo or cardboard that is decorated with colorful paints and ornaments.

The origin of Kuda Lumping has several sources. Some say that the dance was used to respect the cavalry after a battle. It is also a dance that was used to celebrate the horse riding troops of Prince Diponegoro, a hero known for the battles against the Dutch colonialists. Another origin says that it portrays the Mataran troops in their fight against the Dutch in the 1800s. Regardless of its origins, Kuda Lumping is a colorful dance that is now often used at wedding celebrations and Javanese/Indonesian national holidays.

Novianti is studying at Texas State in the English Department. She is a teacher of English as a Foreign Language in Indonesia. She is the author of two teen novels and one children’s novel. Born in Garut, a small town in West Java, she is proud of the traditional performances that abound in her country.

For more information on the event, call the library at (512) 393-8210.

Nita Noviati will demonstrate a traditional Javanese dance at the library.