Caci as Cultural Performance: Between Ritual, Education, and Art

Caci as Cultural Performance: Between Ritual, Education, and Art

@florestourguide/caci

Caci originates from two words: ca and ci. The term ca means “one,” while ci translates to “test” or “trial.” Thus, Caci can be interpreted literally as a one-on-one trial.

Although it may resemble a duel, Caci is fundamentally a symbolic performance that embodies courage, sportsmanship, and honor. The physical marks or wounds resulting from the whip are often regarded as emblems of masculinity and personal dignity.

Traditionally, Caci is performed during harvest festivals (Penti), wedding ceremonies, and major communal thanksgiving events. It serves not only as a ritual of gratitude to ancestors and the Divine but also as a means of preserving the social fabric, spiritual values, and cultural identity of the Manggarai people.

Beyond its ceremonial function, Caci acts as an educational platform and a vehicle for reinforcing community cohesion. It introduces and instills core cultural values—such as bravery, respect, and solidarity—among younger generations through a compelling and participatory experience.

The dance forms an integral part of post-harvest rituals, symbolizing collective gratitude to nature and ancestral spirits. Village homes and communal fields are transformed into vibrant performance spaces that strengthen interpersonal and communal bonds.

In addition to its ritualistic importance, Caci is also a cherished form of communal entertainment, enriched by traditional musical elements such as gongs and drums, as well as choral singing, all of which encourage active participation and festive celebration.

In a religious context—particularly within the Catholic tradition of Manggarai—the physical movements of Caci are often interpreted as a form of embodied prayer. Themes of harmony, reconciliation, and sacrifice are deeply woven into the fabric of the performance.

Ultimately, Caci is a profound cultural heritage of the Manggarai people. It is far more than mere spectacle; it is a living expression of essential human values: courage, honor, spirituality, fraternity, and a deep reverence for cultural traditions. Through Caci, the Manggarai people "pray with their bodies and reconcile through art."