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Rosem

Rosem
Folk musician Thanga Darlong holding the Rosem
Classification Wind instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification421.121
(Flute)
Inventor(s)Darlong tribe
DevelopedTraditional use in Tripura, India
TimbreMelodic
VolumeVaries
AttackQuick
DecayModerate
Playing range

Limited to a specific octave

Variable
Musicians
Traditional Darlong musicians

The Rosem is a traditional wind instrument from Tripura, northeastern India, associated with the Darlong tribe.[1] It is made by shaping bamboo and incorporating the Um, a traditional water pot used by the Darlong tribe, which allows it to produce distinctive melodic sounds when played. It is commonly used during tribal ceremonies and festivals.[2]

Historically, the Rosem was played during the Jhum Festival, an agricultural celebration. Today, it accompanies cultural dances like the Bamboo Dance and Bird Dance.[2] The Rosem has a simple design, but it carries significant cultural importance for the Darlong tribe. As fewer artisans are making it, the instrument is becoming rare, leading to increased efforts for its preservation.[3][2]

Thanga Darlong, a noted Rosem player, was recognized for his contributions to promoting Rosem and received the Padma Shri, the third highest civilian award in India, in 2019.[4][5]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rosem wins over infertility of Padmashri in Tripura". Eastern Panorama. July 2019.
  2. ^ a b c "Rosem in Tripura". Indianculture.gov.in.
  3. ^ Sairem, Donald (February 9, 2021). "From performing to making, Manipuri man on mission to preserve traditional musical instruments despite lack of support". Imphal Free Press.
  4. ^ Deb Barman, Priyanka (December 4, 2023). "Tripura: Last tribal musical instrument player, Padma shri awardee passes away". Hindustan Times.
  5. ^ Chakraborty, Sujit (February 28, 2019). "Tripura tribal artist Thanga Darlong defies poverty, gets Padma Shri for promoting rare musical instrument". National Herald.
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