The saba performance: A healing ritual from cosmological perspective

This study explored the animistic Malays’ saba performance , a ritualistic performance for healing which revolved around the relationship between behaviour and culture. This idea about the saba rituals performance was explored through the cosmological perspective. In this perspective the universe was seen as encompassing the physical and metaphysical reality and the position of man in this reality. The relationship between man and the universe would ignite man’s certain creativity and capability in producing works of art. The artistic works produced signified the spirit of the artists’ cosmology and religious beliefs. This pertained to the four cosmic elements of earth, water, fire and wind. The work of art produced was also believed to be infused with spirit or soul. Thus, the cosmological point of view integrated a multitude of spatial and cosmic dimensions that was to fuel the emergence of a world view which saw the function of the saba performance as a healing ritual.