Neither Thai Nor Malay: The Cross-Cultural Identity of Menora Performance At Kelantan

Abstract

Over many generations, the ‘Menora’ dance, also known as ‘Nora’, has become well-known amongc communities in Southern Thailand and Siamese-Thais across the border in Malaysia. At first, this performance served as a ritualistic communication involving petitioning ancestors, based on traditional Southern-Thai and Siamese beliefs. As demarcation mapped national borders, the Menora in Kelantan has been reshaped in more recent times by the political, cultural, and socio-economic context of Malaysia. This study elaborates on the cross-cultural identity of Menora as performed in Kelantan, where it retains contemporary purpose, sustains traditions and unites communities. By revealing the individual components of the performance, the study finds a distinct cross-cultural process between Southern Thailand and Kelantan. This interaction of cultures applies not only to the structure of the performance, but also to the role of Menora dancers and the ecology of each performance. When it comes to societal implications, the effects of cross-cultural activities become evident as the traditional practice, intended to be a sacred communal ceremony, is showcased as a cultural performance for modern audiences. This study, involving the examination of historical literature, in-depth interviews and participatory observation method within the dance community, reveals the full extent of the shared Menora culture.