TEXT& PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
In celebration of Sultanate of Oman’s 52nd glorious National Day, the celebration committees have organised programmes of ‘Al Ardah’ shows for camels and horses in various wilayats of the country.
The art, which the Omanis inherited from their forefathers, is considered one of the traditional arts that Omanis are keen to practice on national, social and religious occasions. This art still enjoys a great public turnout from various segments of society.
Traditionally, performances of this art begin with a show of camels or horses participating in the event. The show begins with chants composed in Bedouin folk form, as they have the accent of the people of the desert. These chants welcome the masses who flock to watch the direct performances of the art of the performance.
They have different names — for horses, ‘ Ardah’ is called ‘Al Tahoreeb, while for camels, it is ‘Al Himbal’.
More than 100 camels or horses participate in such events. They participate enthusiastically, indicating the close contact between the people and animals in the olden days and highlight their skills and experience in taming camels.
All performances related to the art of ‘Ardah’ reflect the interaction of the Omani man with nature and with the elements of his environment, all of which are evidence of the richness of the Omani civilisation and the diversity of its fields.
The Sultanate of Oman has successfully included this traditional art in the list of Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This achievement is the culmination of the Sultanate of Oman’s consistent efforts to strengthen and preserve its cultural heritage.
