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Introduction to Ethiopian Culture and Dance

Ethiopian Heritage Dance: Eskista & Tigrigna

  • Dance in Ethiopia
  • Eskista Dance
  • Dance Events
  • Functions & Significance
  • Clothing/Dress
  • Music in Ethiopia
  • Personal Connection on Eskista
  • Tigrigna Dance
  • Functions & Significance
  • Personal Connection on Tigrigna
  • Conclusion

Aniza

Function & Significance

  • Ethiopian folk dances date back 3000 years ago and draw on many cultural values such as gender, work life, and religion
  • The Eskista dance itself is said to have been inspired by the movements of snakes
  • The dance is seen as a way of expression and storytelling

Clothing/Dress

Atir

  • Dancers often wear traditional garbs called a “gabbi” or “netella” which are made from woven cotton
  • They are primarily white and often have intricate designs and colors at the ends
  • The clothes are free and loose in a way that accentuates the dancers movements

Music in Ethiopia

Eden

  • The Eskista dance is typically performed with traditional music
  • The music is produced with the traditional Ethiopian instruments including the krar, flute, drums and mesenko.
  • The rhythm and beat of the music guide the Eskista dance and often times the dancers will sing as well

Eden

Aniza

Dance in Ethiopia

  • Ethiopia is very diverse and home to over 80 ethnic groups many with their own distinct style of dance and music
  • Dance is an integrated and beloved part of life for Ethiopians
  • One of the most popular dances is the “Eskista”

Personal Connection

Eskista Dance

Although I am very familiar with the Eskista dance having seen and performed it many time, I never really knew the historical and culture meaning behind it. I always felt dance was a huge part of Ethiopian culture knowing how my family loved to dance. At any Ethiopian wedding you can feel the vibrations on the floor from everyone dancing. Rarely do you see anyone sitting down while their is music and people dancing. Often times family members would wrap the garbs around me or grab me and I'd reluctantly join the dance. As a kid, I remember the family would encourage us to dance by plastering dollar bills on our foreheads as we began to sweat from the dancing. I've always been proud of my Ethiopian heritage and our dance is just another reason why.

Atir

  • The Eskista is a traditional dance native to the Amhara regions
  • It involves the highly technical and unique movement of neck, shoulder and chest
  • It is performed individually by both men and women, but usually in a group

Eden

Dance Events

Eden

  • Ethiopians will dance almost anywhere or at any gathering
  • Traditional dances such as the Eskista are more likely to be seen at weddings, religious and traditional ceremonies, and holiday celebrations.

Conclusion

  • The main dance in the Ethiopian culture are Eskista and Tigrigna.
  • Both dances are very diverse and traditional.
  • Movements are similar when performed in a group.

Function & Significance

  • The dance movement involves hands, feet, and neck and shoulder movements. Everyone has the same movement.
  • It’s similar to Eskista but it’s done in a circle. Everyone is welcome to join the dance.
  • Family comes first and this is their way to express their emotions.
  • Since it’s done in circle it needs a lot of space.

Aniza

Tigrigna Dance

Aniza

Work Cited

  • Tigrigna is an old cultural dance form in Ethiopia after Eskista now it’s more popular in Eritrea because of the countries divided. But still majority of people can dance Tigrigna.
  • It’s a group dance performed by men and women. The dance is collective and signifies the family life.
  • The dance is a part of celebrations.
  • No sexual connotation but it definitely has sensual connotations.
  • Mekonnen, Yohannes K. Ethiopia: The Land, Its People, History and Culture. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

Atir

Personal Connection

  • Getahun, Solomon Addis, and Wudu Tafete Kassu. Culture and Customs of Ethiopia. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

I think the dance form is a great way to express emotions. It involves teamwork; the dance itself is about appreciating one another. It has a lot of energy and expresses commitment to the family and society. The American dance is derived from the African dance so it has a lot of commonalities such as shaking, jumping and teamwork. The clothing is not that important majority of people wear their traditional clothes. Drums and mesenko are the significant part of the music which has a religious meaning to them. Cross designs are famous on clothes because of the orthodox religious influence. The dancers sing as a personal enjoyment and to keep up with the singer but it’s not required. The influence of the Ethiopian culture has been a success in US. People love their food, traditional clothes, music and most importantly dance.

  • Getahun, Solomon Addis, and Wudu Tafete Kassu. Culture and Customs of Ethiopia. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

Atir

  • "Ethiopian Traditional Dance: Eskesta - TH!NK ABOUT IT." Ethiopian Traditional Dance: Eskesta - TH!NK ABOUT IT. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.

BY: Eden,Atir and Aniza

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