Limbai dance by Bajau people

The graceful turning hand gesture is a trademark of the Limbai, the traditional dance of the Bajau people. Originating from the West Coast Bajau settlers, the dance is normally performed by three or four couples. The Limbai is often performed during festivities, particularly weddings to welcome the bridegroom as he arrives at the bride's house. The women wear the 'badu sipak', which has flared and slashed sleeves, revealing contrasting coloured fitted sleeves inside. A bib of gold and silver leaves called 'Mandapun' accentuates the neckline. The full skirt is adorned by a woven panel called 'Kain Belangkit'. Around her waist is a silver belt with a wide buckle known as 'ingkot pangkat'. The headdress is called 'sarempak' whilst the fingernail extensions are known as 'keku'. The men don a high collared shirt called 'badu' with betawi buttons adorning the front. A selendang (or scarf) is tied around his waist together with his silver coin belt and 'supu', a tobacco container. His headdress is called a 'tanjak'. The Limbai is accompanied by an ensemble made up of three small gongs, two large gongs, a kulintangan (a row of small brass gongs) and two drums called 'gendang'.