The Arab Culture
Learning about the Arab culture today I learned many things that I never even thought to question. The culture is really like no other and filled with so much versatility. One question that really stuck with me today during class is what are other string instruments in the Arab culture. The first one I discovered is the Oud. It's a short neck pear shaped instrument that has 10-13 strings. It is usually played by being plucked with your fingers. I have posted a video below demonstrating the sound and a little bit of technique. I will say that if you see it and think it is similar to a guitar but the range is not comparable. The next instrument I discovered is the Guenbri. It's a three-string wooden instrument. It's a chordophone lute that is plucked. It is made out of coconut shells and wood. Sometimes a wooden resonator can be added. It's an extremely beautiful instrument and reminds me quite a bit of a banjo.
Another question that sat with me during this lesson is the dancing. I've noticed that although religion plays a huge part in their culture. The range of what you will wear is quite different. In many places in Arabic culture belly dancing which involves very complex movements of the torso. Belly dancing was commonly known as oriental dancing. The common moves are shimmying, undulations with is just rhythm through the chest, and hip hits. Belly dancers commonly wore a bra top and wide-leg pants and the style is common and worn now. There is a lot more to the dancing than you think and it takes a lot of upper body and core strength. Below I have linked a video that goes into depth about belly dancing.
A question that I wanted to explore on my own is the beauty behind the Hijab. The Hijab is supposed to encourage a sense of modesty and protection from males that are outside of women's families. Originally Hijabs were worn to reveal a social status. Women that worked were encouraged not to wear Hijabs. While women that weren't working it was known to be upper class. It was once optional but by 1985 power got into the wrong hands and it became a law apart of Islamic teaching. But let it be known that no matter what these women wear they are absolutely stunning.
Jahliah, lovely blog! I don't recall talking about the Guenbri in class so it's interesting to see it! The materials that people used to make instruments before man-made materials always amaze me. Where would instruments be without coconuts and gourds?!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog! I think it's neat how you included belly dancing! One thing that I learned was that belly dancing was originally known as oriental dancing. I have seen belly dancers in action before and it definitely takes a lot of upper body and core strength.
ReplyDeleteHi Jahliah! This was a fantastic blog! The Guenbri has such a unique sound! It's amazing how it has the same basic recipe as a western guitar, but it sounds so different.
ReplyDeleteYou aren't kidding when you say that Indian/Middle Eastern dancing takes a lot of core strength. Bollywood in particular is a style that takes an infinite amount of stamina.
It's really interesting that there are so many different interpretations of the importance of the hijab. All individual and all beautiful. I had no idea that the hijab was originally a status symbol.
I enjoyed your blog Jahliah! I didn't know that women who worked were encouraged to not wear a hijab! I also notice in the oud video he uses a lot of vibrato like you would on a violin or cello. It is unlike the guitar where to use vibrato you have to bend the string.
ReplyDeleteI think learning more about the hijab tradition is so important, and I really enjoyed the video you shared! It seems that the most important part of the tradition is who is making the decision to wear hijab: the person wearing it, or someone else? The way you present yourself is a really personal decision and other people shouldn't have control over that. Thanks for sharing Jahliah!
ReplyDeleteHey Jahliah! I really enjoyed reading your blog. I never knew that women who worked were encouraged not to wear their hijab. It's saddening that in today's culture's you're pressured into making a decision that's not your own. I also completely agree that the women in that video are gorgeous and powerful in their own ways and they're definitely good role models to follow!
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