THE Bahraini art of Fjiri and the regionally-revered Arabic calligraphy have been immortalised on the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) heritage list.
Fjiri – a musical performance art unique to Bahrain – was among 48 nominations from around the world considered for inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
“Fjiri is a musical performance that commemorates the history of pearl diving in Bahrain,” Unesco said on its website.
“Dating back to the late 19th century, it was traditionally performed by pearl divers and pearling crews to express the hardships faced at sea.
“The performers sit in a circle, singing and playing different types of drums, finger chimes and a jahl, a clay pot used as an instrument.
“The centre of the circle is occupied by dancers and the lead singer, who is in charge of conducting the performance.”
Fjiri originated in Muharraq, where, up until the mid-twentieth century, most of the population were part of the pearling trade.
However, today the practice has reached a wider audience through performances in festivals across the kingdom.
“The inclusion of Al Fjiri art on the Unesco Intangible Heritage List is an achievement owed to the teamwork of the Culture Authority team, who did their job until results were achieved,” explained Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) culture and arts director-general Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.
“Baca prioritises intangible cultural heritage in its work and activities, and directs its annual event called the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Forum.”
Fjiri is usually performed in a cultural space called ‘Dar’ by descendants of pearl divers and pearling crews and by other individuals.
To further appreciation of the art form, the Dar Bin Harban House had been inaugurated in May this year by Shaikha Hala.
Although it is generally performed by all-male groups, the art form is enjoyed by all and the words, rhythms and instruments are used to convey the values of perseverance, strength and resourcefulness.
At the 16th session of the Unesco Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Bahrain was also part of a consortium of 16 countries to nominate Arabian calligraphy, which was also added to the list.
Bahrain joined Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, the UAE and Yemen in calling for the inscription of Arabic calligraphy and its storied heritage.
“Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice of handwriting Arabic script in a fluid manner to convey harmony, grace and beauty,” Unesco noted on its website.
“The practice, which can be passed down through formal and informal education, uses the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet, written in cursive, from right to left.
“Originally intended to make writing clear and legible, it gradually became an Islamic Arab art for traditional and modern works.”
Arabic calligraphy is noted its flexibility for typography, which allows for letters to be stretched and transformed to create various motifs and symbols within a single word.
Traditional calligraphers use natural materials, such as reeds and bamboo stems for the ‘qalam’ or quill – the primary writing instrument. A mixture of honey, black soot and saffron is used for the ink, and the paper is handmade and treated with starch, egg white and alum.
Meanwhile, modern calligraphers commonly use markers and synthetic paint, and spray paint is used for ‘calligraffiti’ on walls, signs and buildings.
Artisans and designers also use Arabic calligraphy for artistic enhancement such as for marble and wood carving, embroidery and metal etching.
The art form is widespread in Arab and non-Arab countries, practised by men and women of all ages, and taught informally or through formal apprenticeships.
naman@gulfweekly.com
&uuid=(email))