Archive

Collection

Traditional Music

Orteke Phenomena: The Story of the Most Mysterious Personage in Kazakh Culture
  • Manage No DI00001363
    Country Kazakhstan
    Author Rustam Muzafarov Vice Chairman, Kazakhstan National ICH Committee, Kazakhstan
    Published Year 2023
    Language English
    Copyright Copyright
    Attach File Preview (ENG)
Description Orteke art is an important part of the folk heritage and ethnic identity of Central Asia, admired by people both young and old. Orteke is a puppet of a mountain goat which dances under the control of a folk musician playing a dombra (traditional Turkic musical instrument with two strings). Cords link the fingers of the musician and the limbs of the wooden puppet, attached to the musical drum surface. When the musician plays, the puppet moves naturally and jumps following the rhythm. It is quite difficult to imagine how all this works. The Orteke art organically amalgamates dombra sounds, the dance of a goat, and vocal exercises by the musician-puppeteer. The puppet itself is a craft masterpiece. Each time the goat dance is performed in a new way, emphasizing the skill of the performer. Orteke ultimately makes a strong impression on any viewer.

Information source

Elements related to

Materials related to

Photos
Videos
Book related to