Smithsonian - Perishable Pundit

y%aMUSIC AND DANCE INOMANOMAN CENTRE FOR TRADITIONAL MUSICKHALFAN AL-BARWANI, DIRECTORAllof Oman's traditional music is sustained byoral transmission between generations, andeach region has its own unique forms. Songs[77]and dances are performed during festivals andceremonies throughout the country. Songs varyfrom region to region, north to south, from one environment toanother. Songs of desert, oasis, and sea differ in purpose, content,and instrumentation.Desert songs often praise the sturdiness of the camel. Altaghrud,sung while riding camels, encourages both animal andrider. It is a group song with words that do not change fromplace to place. Al-tariq is a Bedouin song sung either whileriding acamel or seated on the ground. Two singers perform itin alternating verses. This song praises the she-camel and reflectsa slower pace of the camel in contrast to al-taghrud, whichmimics the camel traveling at afaster pace. Much of Bedouin«W7lsong is unaccompanied.In many ways a dance of the oasis, although performed inmost areas, al-razhah is characterized by its use of the sword and itsexchange of poetry between men. Men leap into the air, carrying/V£lVa heavy sword, and must not falter upon landing. The men alsothrow the sword into the air and catch it as it comes down—show of strength and prowess. Years ago, al-razhah was used toannounce the onset of war or victory, to muster troops, or tomediate between warring factions. Today it is used as a welcometo and celebration of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Thedance has three slow rhythms, but upon a call from the drum,the men perform sword displays, the aim of which is to hit one'sopponent on the left thumb. If no side is a clear winner, then anelder of the tribe cuts the air between them, terminating the tight.VSea songs reflect sailors' duties during preparation of theship for departure, during the voyage, and upon itsreturn.There are many types of sea songs. One, shilat al-hamul (TheSong of the Porters), is performed when loading goods ontoDancers rehearse for an 'id al-adhacelebration in the Saham district.OMAN DESERT, OASIS, AND SEA