| Popis: |
The music of the very remote regions in northern Myanmar reflects the change from tradition to modernization, political conflicts with the central government in a civil war raging since 1962, conflicts between ethnic groups in this region, and cultural exchange with neighboring China as well as India. The region furthermore experiences religious conflicts between Christian groups and traditional animistic beliefs and customs. Also, drug abuse, mainly among young males, is a problem. Media and the internet, formally unknown to these remote regions, were only introduced a few years ago. Now, a young generation has the possibility of international exchange, musically and in terms of travel and work. The recent political struggle in Myanmar is also strongly present in this region, where traditionally subsistence farming is practiced with very little state interference. This paper discusses musical features, instruments, dance, and identities, summarizing several field trips into the region over the last ten years. It uses recordings and interviews with various ethnic groups, mainly in Myitkyina and Pota-O region, reporting old music traditions vanishing or modernizing. Political, religious, or ritualistic relations to music and music transfer to China, Malaysia, or the global network are discussed. |
