Today's post has been inspired by a recent concert I attended. The concert was Kalakan, a trio of Basque men who play traditional instruments and sing both traditional and fusion songs. If you have the opportunity to see them in concert, I highly recommend it, but this concert inspired me to learn more about Basque culture, which is a culture that I have always heard about but know little about. And this post will present a brief summary on the topic of Basque culture.
The Basque live around the world, but they have their own territory known as Basque Country, which is in and between the modern countries of Spain and France. Despite being one unified nation that belong to one culture, the Basque in either country seem to practice their culture differently, which is a result of historical oppressions/freedoms. Basque who do not reside in Basque Country also practice their culture variably, dealing with processes of acculturation and assimilation that is present in their new countries of residence.
The Basque speak a unique language that shares this same name. According to some, this language is unlike any other language spoken around the world, although to my own ear it sounded like a mixture of Spanish, French, and one more additional language that I could not pick up on. Bear in mind that I am not a language expert, and this assessment is my personal opinion. The language is considered an endangered language, however, since many Basque do not speak the native language. Efforts are in place to remedy this language loss, although the results are yet to be seen in regards to long term effects of these efforts.
Traditionally, the Basque are farmers and herders (or, formally, agriculturalists and pastoralists). They are also considered expert sailors. Their cultural traditions revolve around these economic strategies, and there is a heavy reliance on family/kinship, which is traditional in agricultural societies. This emphasis was also evidence in the music the Kalakan trio played as many of their songs involved stories of family. They are also known as skilled metallurgists.
The Basque have a series of traditional instruments that are associated with their musical arts. Their musical instrument collections include the txistu, a flute that produces a high pitch but melodic sound and the txalaparta, a wooden xylophone, in conjunction with the tambourine and drums. Based on my observations of the Kalakan trio, their music is a mixture of a cappella (without musical instrument accompaniment) and instrumental.
If you are interested in learning more about the Basque culture, please visit the following websites:
http://buber.net/Basque/
http://www.euskalkultura.com/portadako_albisteak_plantilla?set_language=en
http://www.euskadi.net/r33-2220/eu (Basque or Spanish language options only)
16 comments:
I hadn't ever really heard that much about the Basque culture before reading this post. It is interesting to know that their culture is practiced in many places but they have a central homeland and culture that unites them. Their culture, like their language, seems to be endangered.
Courteney Hedicke, Anth 101
the basque is a really neat experience to watch and watch people play instrument. I like this blog something i didnt even knew.
briana banuelos 102 1001
I often wondered if the Basque were off-shots of the Roma culture. This begs the question if they created a new culture out of necessity from oppression or if they wanted a new way of life? I love their food though! It would be interesting to explore this culture more thoroughly through the food. Is there a division of anthropology that focuses on the food of a culture? It would be interesting to say the least.
I'm not sure specifically where the Basque are derived, so I asked TMCC Spanish Professor Nancy Faires as she studied the Basque for her graduate work. According to her the Basque are considered an Indigenous European group, which would be similar to how Cherokee or Ojibwe are viewed here in the US & Canada. So no Romani connection, at least not directly.
They sound a great deal like the Rom people.
I had no clue that the Basque had their own language, further proving that its already on the decline. I also don't think I've ever heard anyone speak it either. I'll be sure to look into it though!
I googled the trio Kalakan on youtube and was surprised! To me, it sounded like a combination of folk and a little bit of Native American, which could be because of the flute sound. It's so interesting how cultures in Basque Country vary based on location.
Its very neat to see the spread of cultures sharing their music like the Basque do. Would they kinda relate to like blue grass using classical instruments in their music ? Very small group have their own kinda area of living but people enjoy listening to em?
This is an interesting group of people. I would like to learn more about their language.
The Basque sounds like a very interesting group of people, I would love to get to know more about them & their culture.
-Monique McAllister
The Basque sounds like an interesting group because getting to know anything new about someone else culture is always something great to know.
It is interesting to know that their culture is practiced
Tiffany Heavens
- I never heard of Basque culture before but I find them really interesting. It is very cool that they have their own language.
I have never heard of the Basque but it is great to hear that when they perform they use their own language at times.
Very interesting group of people. I listened to the video and their language sounds of a combination of French and Spanish. This
was my first time hearing about the Basque, they have beautiful music.
-Aide Gonzalez
Before reading this article i have not heard about the Basque culture, it very interesting have their own language; it very interesting to see how their culture is practiced.
- Lavonza Marshall
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