Tambourine Playing in Ukulhas Island
| Author(s) | Saeed, Hussain |
|---|---|
| Title | Tambourine Playing in Ukulhas Island |
| Alternative Title | Ukulhahuge Thaarajehun (އުކުޅަހުގެ ތާރަޖެހުން) |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Language | div |
| Number of Pages | 3 |
| Location | Maldives |
| Keywords | Tambourine Music Festivals Maldives AA. Ukhulas |
| Relevance to ICH Safeguarding | documentation identification transmission promotion revitalization |
| ICH Genre | social practices rituals festive events |
| Description |
Playing the tambourine is known as Thaarajehun in Dhivehi. This is a performing art that is still practiced widely across the country. Thaarajehun is a celebratory event that takes place in the Eids and other special occasions. AA. Ukulhas is an island that is famed for their festive Thaarajehun. They were said to be the best at art, especially during the 20th century. In fact, they became so famed that once the Al-Sultan Fareedul Awwal who reigned from 1954-1968, heard about their skills and had the islanders travel to Male’ (the capital) to perform at the palace. The Sultan was so pleased with their performance that they were bestowed a special honor. Thaarajehun is a male dominant form of art performed with two rows of people, with 12 people on each side, with 6 people at head. They all will wear a costume of red colored knee length pants, thigh length white lungi and a white long-sleeved shirt along with a handkerchief tied around their heads. Before the performance starts, the leader of the performers goes to the Haruge’ (place built for the performance) and hoists a big white flag there. This white flag has Ayahs from the Quran, and phrases of other Dhua (prayers) written on it. It is also said that they perform a ritualistic chant and incense the flag before hoisting it. This special flag has the role of providing protection from rain throughout the performance. The event starts in the afternoon after Asr Salat. The performance begins after recitation of a prayer and continues with everyone kneeling and then swaying from side to side to the rhythm of the music. As the dance continues, it creates a hypnotic effect with the well-controlled and orchestrated movements of the dancers. For this reason, the art is said to be considered to have been performed well when done with the spirit of togetherness and friendship along with patience and discipline. However, towards the late 20th century, the art diminished in popularity in AA. Ukulhas. This was mostly due to the demise of the most famous lead performer on the island. However, a national effort is being made to revive these arts that have been endangered. The younger generation is showing more interest in it and the nation is slowly working towards the revitalization of its rich cultural heritage. |
| Book/Journal Title | Proclamation(Faithoora ފަތްތޫރަ) |
| Publisher | National Center for Linguistic and Historical Research (Dhivehi Bahaa Thaareekha Khidhumaikuraa Gaumee Markaz) |
| Place of Publication | Male', Maldives |
| Date of Publication | Apr 2009 |
| Issue | 361 |
| Pages | 55-57 |
| Access URL | https://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/items/d3affa2f-d06d-48ad-96e2-3c29a758484d |
| Academic Field | Ethnomusicology Ethnochoreology |
| Community/Ethnic Group | Maldivians (of AA. Ukulhas) |
| Contributor | National Centre for Cultural Heritage |
| Active Contribution | Maldives, FY 2024 |
| Data Collection Project | |