Video: Al-Bar'ah, Music and Dance of Oman Dhofari Valleys
A traditional Omani Bedouin dance performance, set against the nation's stunning gardens and coast.
Oman’s Bedouin communities maintain some of the oldest traditions in the Arab World. Historically a nomadic people, the ancient Bedouins lived in tightly knit societies, a warrior culture that also cultivated the arts of poetry and music. Because of this, they are the keepers of a number of ancient dance forms.
This video, courtesy of UNESCO, highlights Al’Barah, a type of Omani Bedouin dance. During a performance, a group of men and women gather around two or more male dancers wielding ceremonial knives. They dance to the accompaniment of drums, flutes, clapped hands, and chanted or sung poetry. Against the stunning backdrop of Oman, the dance is a beautiful and joyous link to the Arabian Peninsula’s past.
Further Reading
“Al-Bar’ah, Music and Dance of Oman Dhofari Valleys.” UNESCO, UNESCO, en.unesco.org/silkroad/silk-road-themes/intangible-cultural-heritage/al-barah-music-and-dance-oman-dhofari-valleys. Accessed 25 May 2020.
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