Feasting of the Spirits: The Berjamu Ritual Performance in the Kelantanese Wayang Siam Shadow Play

Abstract

Apart from normal entertainment-oriented Wayang Kulit Siam shadow play performances, there exists in Kelantan another highly important performance style known as Wayang Kulit Siam Berjamu. The term "Berjamu" literally means "feeding" or "feasting'" and in such performances offerings are prepared in honour of a host of deities (dewa-dewa) or minor spirits (mambang). Although some ritual business is a feature in normal Wayang Kulit Siam performances in the Berjamu variety ritual becomes the most significant single element, surpassing the story or comedy. Berjamu performances serving similar purposes are also to be found in other Malay traditional theatre genres such as Mak Yong, Main Puteri and in Menora.