
he Kalela dance are primarily transmitted to the public and to younger generations through song and poetry and through observation and participation during public performances. However, some groups may organize formal lessons led by expert drummers to recruit new musicians, as drummers are sometimes scarce. Public performances are included in many...
ZambiaHüsn-i Hat, traditional calligraphy in Islamic art in Turkey
the practice was traditionally used to write the Koran, hadiths (statements of the Prophet Muhammad) and poetry, as well as for State correspondence, such as imperial edicts and warrants, and on religious and public buildings. In Islam, Hüsn-i hat is seen as a means not only of writing ideas, but of depicting them visually. To this day, Hüsn-i ha...
TürkiyeInscribed,Punto Punto is the poetry and music of Cuban farmers, consisting of a tune or melody over which a person sings an improvised or learned stanza of ten octameter verse lines, with a rhyming scheme. There are two main variants of Punto: punto libre, a tune of free metre; and punto fijo, which can be in key or crossed. Throughout history, the...
CubaAitysh/Aitys, art of improvisation
Inscribed,Aitysh/Aitys, art of improvisation Aitysh/Aitys is a contest centred on improvised oral poetry spoken or sung to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments – the Kazakh dombra or Kyrgyz komuz. Two performers (''akyns'') compete with one other to improvise verses on topical themes in a battle of wits that al...
KazakhstanSevdalinka, traditional urban folk song
originated as the result of a long process of acculturation that occurred when the traditional oral poetry of the South-Slavic population merged with the musical influences of the Ottoman Empire. Performed a capella or with the accompaniment of traditional instruments, the main function of sevdalinka is to tell a story. It is practised by professio...
Bosnia and Herzegovinad carefully hidden. An integral part of the wedding ceremony in Djibouti and the subject of riddles and poetry, the ritual of making xeedho is transmitted informally within families, with girls watching to see how it is prepared. The bride’s mother, grandmothers, sisters and aunts invest fully in planning the marriage celebrations and preparing t...
Djibouti,Ca trù singing Ca trù is a complex form of sung poetry found in the north of Viet Nam using lyrics written in traditional Vietnamese poetic forms. Ca trù groups comprise three performers: a female singer who uses breathing techniques and vibrato to create unique ornamented sounds, while playing the clappers or striking a wooden box, and two ins...
Viet NamArabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
is enjoyed by all segments of society. In gatherings, it is often accompanied by the recitation of poetry, stimulating discussions, and the exchange of memories. In Jordan, Arabic coffee is held in high regard as a symbol of generosity and hospitality in the offices of government officials and statesmen, including ministers, representatives, and d...
Saudi Arabia, Jordan
, Oman
, Qatar
Harees dish: know-how, skills and practices
di Arabia, Harees is present in many social and cultural elements such as folk stories, sayings and poetry. The related skills and knowledge are passed on from mothers to daughters, in educational institutes, restaurants and hotels, and through the media and official institutions. Preparing and serving harees is viewed as a sign of hospitality and...
Saudi Arabia, Oman
Traditional craft skills and arts of Al-Naoor
ng to the fields. The day of the al-naoor mounting is marked by celebrations, including traditional poetry performances, singing and dancing. More recently, the energy produced by the al-naoor wheel has also been used to generate electricity and to operate the water mills used to grind grain for flour. Al-naoor is a source of livelihood for many, i...
Iraq