Pajoge


Pajoge dance is a traditional dance of the Buginese and Makassar people who came from Bone, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The term Pajoge has three meanings at once. From the word joge which means a dance, while pa joge to refer to a dancer, as well as a show. Although different, but the three meanings are one entity.
Based on the dancer, Pajoge Dance is divided into two namely Pajoge Makkunrai and Pajoge Angkong. Pajoge Makkunrai is performed by girls, while Pajoge Angkong is performed by transvestite dancers. Of the two, Pajoge Makkunrai is more developed and more staged to date. Pajoge Makkunrai flourished around the Kingdom of Bone, Wajo, Soppeng and Barru.
Formerly the Pajoge Makkunrai Dance would only be performed in the royal court. The dancer is an ordinary girl. The audience, who are men, will form a circle. While the girl will dance in the middle of the circle. Dancers will go around in a circle, while dancing and singing. Then the dancer will look for her partner in the audience. If have chosen, the dancer will give a betel leaf to one of the men and the man will dance with the dancing girl. Selected men will also give gifts to peari or mappasompe.
But not all male spectators can dance with Pajoge dancers. Allowed only from the nobility or respected figures. If the man is interested in one of the Pajoge dancers, then the person concerned can express it to Pangibing. Pangibing is a term for bodyguards or someone who plays a role in traditional Makassar dance parties. Furthermore, Pajoge dancers will be guided by the Pangibing.
Besides functioning as entertainment, the Makkunrai Pajoge Dance is also used as a medium to bring people closer to their king.