Kuda Lumping (Javanese: Jaran Kepang or Jathilan, Malay: Kuda Kepang,

English: Flat Horse) is a traditional Javanese dance depicting a group of horsemen.

Dancers "ride" horses made from woven bamboo and decorated with colorful
paints and cloth. Generally, the dance portrays troops riding horses, but another
type of Kuda Lumping performance also incorporates trances and magic tricks.
When the "possessed" dancer is performing the dance in trance conditions, he can
display unusual abilities, such as eating glass and resistance to the effects of
whipping or hot coals. Although the dance is native to Java, Indonesia, it also
performed by Javanese communities in Suriname, Malaysia and Singapore.

Kuda Lumping may be performed in celebration of a special event, such as a boy's

circumcision or rite of passage. It may also be performed as entertainment, in a
busker style. It is generally performed in a cordoned-off area, with the audience
separated from the dancers.

Kuda Lumping is traditionally performed by a group of men drawn from the local
community; this group can number from 2 to 8. The performers mount rattan
horses and dance while traditional instruments such as the angklung, gongs, and
dog-dog drums are played. This portion of the performance ends when a dancer
enters a trance, which is traditionally said to be caused by spirit possession. In
Sang Hyang Jaran, the audience may participate by forming a chorus and singing.

During their trances, the dancers may pretend to eat grass or drink water, while
another performer or shaman uses a whip to direct them. In some performances,
dancers may walk on coals or eat glass or fire, which can cause various injuries.
The dancers also interact with the audience; in busker performances they may ask
for money. In some areas the dancers serve as oracles to deliver prophecies. After
awakening from their trances, performers claim not to remember anything done
while performing.

Dancers perform using rattan horses, generally colourful and decorated with beads
and sequins. Adults use larger horses than children. Children's horses may also be
cut from bamboo mats. Performers wear colorful clothes and may occasionally
dress as soldiers. The costume may also include small bells strung around the
ankle.In comparison to the shaman, the dancers' costumes are more feminized.

Kuda Lumping is widely popular. But, individual observer opinions vary. Some
view it as being related to Satan and thus evil, while others see it as being a good
influence. A shift in meaning, from a mainly spiritual ritual to entertainment, has
been noted