Dance as Traditional Knowledge: The Pikinamp of Chambri
Author(s)
Title
Dance as Traditional Knowledge: The Pikinamp of Chambri
Publication Type
Language
eng
Number of Pages
6
Location
Papua New Guinea
Keywords
dance
music
decoration
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
ICH Genre
Description
Pikinamp is a general term for all music and dance performed by the Chambri people of East Sepik. Such performances commemorate and celebrate certain events, such as bride prices, male and female initiations, rites of passage, and special achievements. The dance steps are learned through general participation rather than specific instruction. The knowledge of the lead performer includes magic, choreography, songs, language, music, costumes, rituals, myths, and stories relating to each dance. The lead performer plays a drum and gives cues for each change of movement. The pikinamp called sakinemenan is the focus of this paper. It was learned from a spirit woman. Issues of ownership, usage, the transfer of knowledge, and the dance's survival are considered.
Book/Journal Title
Publisher
Melanesian and Pacific Studies
Place of Publication
Waigani
Date of Publication
2009
Pages
116-121
ISBN
978-9980-9919-0-4
Academic Field
ethnochoreology
anthropology
Community/Ethnic Group
Chambri
East Sepik
Contributor
Active Contribution
Papua New Guinea, FY 2024