Medan, Formosa News –
Hand gestures and body movements in the traditional Tor-Tor dance of the Batak
Toba people form a highly structured system of nonverbal language. Recent
research findings by academics from Universitas Negeri Medan (Unimed)—Syamsul
Bahri, Elisa Betty Manullang, Femi C.E. Pakpahan, Aqila Adha Br Tanjung, and
Septian Markus Pasaribu—published in February 2026, successfully identify and
analyze the symbolic meanings behind Batak Toba dance movements. This study
demonstrates that traditional dance is not merely an artistic performance, but
a living and adaptive medium for intergenerational cultural communication in
the modern era.
Amid rapid modernization and social change, preserving local cultural
identity presents significant challenges. Many traditional art performances are
now enjoyed solely for their visual beauty, without a clear understanding of
their underlying moral and spiritual messages. For the Batak Toba people of
North Sumatra, dance movements or Tor-Tor represent an ancestral heritage
expressing social values, prayers, and life philosophies. To bridge this gap in
understanding, the Unimed research team conducted a scientific study to decode
the nonverbal communication codes hidden within every hand movement and
rhythmic step of the dancers.
In conducting this study, the researchers employed a descriptive
qualitative method combined with Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic framework.
The team conducted an in-depth analysis of recordings from 10 prominent Tor-Tor
dance performances, including Sinanggar Tulo, Sipitu Sawan, Emma
Da Tutu, Kijom-Kijom, Sapele Sapele Si Ria Ria, Alusi Au,
and Anakkon Hi Do Hamoraon Di Au. The body movements in these dances
were classified into four main gesture categories based on David McNeill's
theory.
Through the analysis of dozens of movement data units, the study
recorded four primary gesture categories in Batak Toba dance with the following
percentage distributions:
- Iconic
Gestures (35%): Movements
that visually imitate real objects or actions. An example is found in the Sipitu
Sawan (Pangurason) dance, featuring cupped hands mimicking the slow
pouring of water over the body to symbolize spiritual purification and
cleansing negative energy. Meanwhile, in the Emma Da Tutu dance,
dancers mimic pounding rice or working the land to honor the hard work of
the agrarian society.
- Metaphoric
Gestures (35%): Abstract
movements symbolizing intangible emotional or philosophical concepts. In
the Anakkon Hi Do Hamoraon Di Au dance, cradling arms represent
parental love and protection toward children, who are viewed as a family's
most valuable treasure. In Alusi Au, the soft swaying of hands
reaching outward signifies deep longing and unwavering love.
- Beat
Gestures (16%):
Repetitive movements synchronized with the tempo of gondang music to
maintain rhythm and enhance performance dynamics. Foot stomping and hand
lifting in Tor-Tor Ni Halak Batak highlight the energy, strength,
and resilience of the Batak people.
- Deictic
Gestures (14%): Pointing
movements that direct attention to space, fellow performers, or the
audience. In Kijom-Kijom and Sapele Sapele Si Ria Ria,
extending hands toward the audience signifies openness, inclusivity, and
the cultural value of mutual cooperation (marsiadapari).
The findings of this research carry important implications for cultural
preservation, education, and the creative industry. Understanding the semiotics
of traditional dance allows the public and younger generations to appreciate
art beyond aesthetics, embracing its deep philosophical values. In education,
these insights can be integrated into cultural arts and anthropology curricula
to reinforce national identity. For policymakers and tourism stakeholders, a
clear understanding of Tor-Tor symbolism provides a strong foundation for
promoting authentic and educational cultural heritage tourism.
"Movements in the Batak Toba Tor-Tor dance constitute a remarkably
rich form of nonverbal communication. The dominance of iconic and metaphoric
gestures proves that this dance serves as a medium for conveying prayers, moral
teachings, and reverence for ancestors that remains alive and adaptable
today," said Syamsul Bahri, lead researcher from Universitas Negeri Medan.
Author Profile
This research was conducted by an academic team from Universitas Negeri
Medan (Unimed):
- Syamsul
Bahri, S.SS., M.Hum. –
Corresponding author, lecturer, and researcher in cultural studies and
semiotic analysis, Universitas Negeri Medan.
- Elisa
Betty Manullang –
Researcher and scholar in arts and culture, Universitas Negeri Medan.
- Femi C.E.
Pakpahan – Researcher and
scholar in language and literary studies, Universitas Negeri Medan.
- Aqila Adha
Br Tanjung – Researcher
and scholar in language and literary studies, Universitas Negeri Medan.
- Septian
Markus Pasaribu –
Researcher and scholar in language and performing arts, Universitas Negeri
Medan.
Official Study Reference
- Article
Title: Gestures and
Their Meanings in the Artistic Movements of Batak Toba Dance
- Journal: International Journal of Advanced
Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS), Vol. 4, No. 7, Year 2026,
Pages 891–906
- Publisher: TITECH Publisher
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijatss.v4i7.168
- https://aprmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijatss
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