The Arts of Nusantara/Asiatic Cultures 1- NINI THOWONG

Alike Jailangkung,a medium to urged sprits.The games was born from ritual culture in Indonesia. Two of this relative, Nini Thowong and Jailangkung is included as a games often played by Jawa children, in olden times.
Not much is known about its origin. Nowadays, Nini Thowong can only be found in the village of Grudo, part of the residence of Bantul, Djogjakarta (officially Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta), Indonesia. Back in years ago, Nini Thowong was used as a means to help villagers find cures for certain illness, more specifically the locations. As technology develops rapidly, Nini Thowong was almost abandoned and starting to lose its existence. Now, it is performed as a show for tourists.

After the ritual, Nini Thowong is carried to the show place. It can be indoor or outdoor. Nini Thowong is held by a group of four women at the minimum. Once the gamelan is played and the song of ‘Bocah Bajang’ is sung, Nini Thowong will start to dance. It will go up and down and swing its arms. The movement is not caused by the women holding Nini Thowong. Instead, it is made by the spirit possessing Nini Thowong. The movement can be directed by the pawang, whether up and down or swing in circles, or the tempo is increased or decreased. Not only can Nini Thowong dance, but it can also give answer to yes-no questions. If Nini Thowong bends its body forward and backward, the answer is yes. If the answer is no, Nini Thowong will bend its body right and left.