Gaur Maria (bison horn) dance
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A dance of the Maria people of Bastar in which men wear headdresses of bison horns and feathers and imitate the movements of the gaur.
TribalWhere: ChhattisgarhOccasion: Weddings and village festivals in Bastar
| Performed by | Men and women of the Maria community |
|---|---|
| Costume | Men wear headdresses with bison horns, cowries and peacock or other feathers, with a curtain of beads over the face; women wear bead necklaces and brass ornaments |
| Music and instruments | Large drums hung from the men’s necks; women carry iron sticks hung with bells that they strike on the ground |
How it is performed
- The men, wearing horned headdresses and drums, form a group and begin to beat their drums.
- They move with charging, tossing and stamping steps that imitate gaur bulls.
- The women dance in a line beside them, keeping time by striking their belled sticks on the ground.
- The dance goes on for long hours, with the groups weaving in and out of each other.
Significance
The gaur (Indian bison) stands for strength. The dance is a central part of Maria celebrations and is one of the best-known tribal dances of central India.