Culture
17:15, 25-Apr-2019
Sword dance: The cultural treasure of Oman
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18:59, 25-Apr-2019
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Sword dance is part of traditional dance in Sultanate of Oman (Oman), it evolved out of sword fighting between men in the history.
In the past, men were using the sword to demonstrate their power, as time passed, the sword dance became a derivative of ancient war culture.
In the modern days, the thoughts conveyed by sword dance are not the desire for war or represent an absolute power, but it stands for courage and honor.
A man performs a dance with a sword, with other local dancers and musicians performing traditional songs and dances in front of the Ministry of Tourism in Muscat, Oman, February 17, 2017. /Getty Images
A man performs a dance with a sword, with other local dancers and musicians performing traditional songs and dances in front of the Ministry of Tourism in Muscat, Oman, February 17, 2017. /Getty Images
Local Omanis perform a traditional sword dance for Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to Nizwa Fort on the eighth day of a tour of the Middle East in Nizwa, Oman, Mach 18, 2013. /Getty Images
Local Omanis perform a traditional sword dance for Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to Nizwa Fort on the eighth day of a tour of the Middle East in Nizwa, Oman, Mach 18, 2013. /Getty Images
A group of Omani men during a dance performance outside Bayt Ar Ridaydah Castle, in Birkat Al Mouz, Izki, Oman, February 18, 2017. /Getty Images
A group of Omani men during a dance performance outside Bayt Ar Ridaydah Castle, in Birkat Al Mouz, Izki, Oman, February 18, 2017. /Getty Images
Omani children perform a traditional sword dance during the 21st edition of the Muscat festival in the Omani capital, January 19, 2019. /Getty Images
Omani children perform a traditional sword dance during the 21st edition of the Muscat festival in the Omani capital, January 19, 2019. /Getty Images
The performers usually wear the traditional costumes and the choreography is to perform sword tossing and mock fighting by two rows while facing each other during the dance.
In Oman, sword dance is one of the cultural symbols which still performed among the people of different ages. At the same time, the sword dance is performed on different occasions such as holidays or cultural events.
In addition, the sword dance also becomes the etiquette performance when the world leaders visit Oman.
Today, the sword dance reflects Oman's long and prosperous history which made a great contribution to civilization.
Under the rapid development of Oman, the country still keeps the traditions going. The sword dance and other cultural treasures will continuously witness the prosperity of the Arabic culture in the modern world.
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(Cover image by Fan Chenxiao)