Holiday Ayo -  Papua has many traditional dances originating from various regions on the island of Papua. 

Every dance has a story contained in it. These dances also have different functions or purposes, such as welcoming dance, entertainment, or sacred dance as an exorcist of evil spirits.

Traditional dances from Papua also have a characteristic that is very well known in all areas in Indonesia. Namely, Papuan dances always have dynamic, energetic, and full of enthusiasm. For example, in a Papuan dance, there must be movements to play the legs and jump.

Here are 5 traditional Papuan dances:

1. Naini Dance

As the name, this dance is known as the welcoming dance. The Malamoi Sorong in West Papua calls this dance "Naini" or "Come here, Come Together". This dance is performed to welcome the guest of honor, and as a courtesy that the guest has been received.

2. Musyoh Dance

Musyoh Dance is a sacred dance to soothed the spirits who died in an accident. This dance also purposes to ward off wandering spirits. Musyoh Dance is performed by male dancers accompanied by traditional Tifa musical instruments.

3. Seka Dance

Seka Dance is one of the traditional dances of the people in Southern Papua which includes the Timika, Kaimana, and Fakfak regions. This dance symbolizes gratitude to the god for the life.

4. Sajojo Dance

Sajojo Dance is very popular and is not only popular in Papua but in all of area Indonesian too. This dance describes the association between ethnic groups in Papua. Sajojo Dance is also known as a welcoming dance and also tourism promotion dance. The dancers will dance by jumping and stomping their feet. Various traditional musical instruments such as Tifa will be used to accompany this dance.

4. Aniri Dance

Finally, there is a dance that is associated with magical origins from Koakwa village, Fak-Fak Regency. This dance depicts the liberation of a child from demonic disturbances, for being abandoned by his parents. Aniri means the liberation of a child. Aniri dance movements are dynamic and give a sacred impression and not just anyone can dance it.