Nicobarese dance
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A group dance of the Nicobarese people in which men and women move in long lines or circles with linked arms, singing together at community feasts.
TribalWhere: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Car Nicobar and other Nicobar islands)Occasion: Community feasts and festivals, including the ossuary feast held in memory of ancestors; also the Island Tourism Festival
| Performed by | Men and women of the village |
|---|---|
| Costume | Skirts and headbands made from coconut and pandanus leaves, with flowers and leaf decorations |
| Music and instruments | The dancers’ own singing, with clapping and stamping |
How it is performed
- Dancers form a long line or circle, placing their arms on each other’s shoulders.
- A lead singer begins a song and the group answers in chorus.
- The line sways and steps forward and back together, stamping in time.
- The dance can go on through the night during a feast, with groups taking turns.
Significance
Singing and dancing together are part of how Nicobarese villages mark important events and honour their ancestors, and they help keep the community united.