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MONGOLIAN
ART AND CULTURE
Mongolian culture and history has been formed in large part
by the dynamic forces of nature and struggle that are embodied
in the ancient nomadic existence of the Mongol peoples. From
the time of the earliest known signs of human presence in
the Mongolian heartland till today, the area we call Mongolia
has been the birthplace of many famous tribes like the Huns,
Scythians, Mongols and Turks that went on to become powerful
catalysts for change in world history.
The culture and society
of Mongolia is greatly influenced by the central role of
nomadism which is still the way of life for half of Mongolia's
population of 2.7 million people. Mongolia is one of the
last nations in the world today that has such a high proportion
of nomadic citizens.
The extreme climactic conditions
of Mongolia bring enormous fluctuations of weather with very
hot, parched summers and winters with temperatures of 60 degrees
below zero Fahrenheit. The sustained severe cold causes massive
loss of livestock herds almost every year.
This very difficult environment
requires great strength and deep reserves of will to survive
and thrive in. Mongolian people have lived and thrived in
this unforgiving environment for many hundreds of years
and have a deep enduring fondness for their homeland.
Mongolian music conveys this
deep appreciation that Mongolians have for their country,
its natural beauty and the inspiring deep blue sky above the
vast Mongolian landscape. Mongolian songs are often about
beloved horses and the beauty of the Mongolian countryside.
Herders sing while riding their horses and most Mongolians
are expected to know at least one song to be shared with others
on special occasions or just to lighten the heart.
Khoomi Singing which also
known as Throat Singing, allows the singer to produce harmonic
tones that can mirror the sounds of waterfalls, the steppe
winds blowing, and the chants of Buddhist monks. Khoomi
singers use their diaphragms like a bellows on a bagpipe
to emit a steady bass note while simultaneously producing
a higher nasal tone and essentially carrying two tunes at
the same time.
The traditional Long Song
is the great Mongolian classical form of singing and is a
powerful way of musically expressing deep emotions for loved
ones, the land, nature and beloved horses. Ms. Namjilyn Norovbanzad
is considered the greatest Mongolian Long Song singer of the
20th century. Her powerful voice can fill a music hall without
any need for amplification even though she is nearly seventy
years old. The song titles from her most recent CD, "The
Sun Over the Placid World" convey the typical subjects
addressed in the Mongolian Long Song tradition. They include,
"The Gently Fluttering Wind", "A Graceful Black
Horse", "The Sight of the River Herlen", "A
Little Bay Steed", "A Cowboy", and "Misty
Crest of a Mountain Ridge".
Of all the Mongolian musical
instruments the Morin Khuur (Horse Head Fiddle) has the
most prominent place in Mongolian musical forms. Legend
has it that a long time ago when the beloved horse of a
young Mongolian died, he made a musical instrument from
its hair and hide to remind him of his dear friend. The
Morin Khuur can produce the rich varied tones of a cello
or be coaxed to sound like a horse neighing and galloping.
 Traditional
Mongolian wrestling called Bukh is the most prominent sport
amongst Mongols and is one of the three arenas of completion
in the greatest of the annual Mongolian national celebrations
called the Naadam. Archery and horseracing are the two other
competition sports in the Naadam but the champion wrestlers
win the greatest glory. Mongolians prize the strength, skill
and dignified character that are the hallmark of great wrestler
champions.
Mongolians hospitality is
legendary and is a very important part of Mongolian society
and culture. Travelers are welcomed in the round nomadic
home call Gers to share cheese, yogurt, and Airag which
is fermented mares milk and cherished also by Mongolian
city dwellers. Strangers are made to feel welcome almost
anytime and in a place where temperature routinely drop
to 20 and 30 degrees below zero in the winter months, the
warmth of a welcoming Ger is deeply appreciated by the tired
traveler. Neighbours are an important ally and mainstay
for the Mongolian nomads as they persue their difficult
way of life. Cooperation, courtesy and considerate behavior
towards others are a very important part of Mongolian society
and culture.
Fine
art
Music
Theater
Dance
Film
Ger / National Nomadic dwelling
/
Museum
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