Various Artists - World Is but a Place of Survival: Ethiopian Begena S

The begena is a large ten-stringed lyre which is part of the traditional Amharic heritage of Ethiopia. The Amharas, who have long formed the politically and culturally dominant people of Ethiopia, mainly inhabit the central and northern part of the country. In the majority, they follow the monophysite Orthodox Tewahido Church established in the early fourth century AD. Music plays a very important part in the life of the church. Most of the liturgy is sung and, contrary to secular music, it is accompanied by percussion instruments only. The begena occupies a special place because it is the one melodic instrument exclusively dedicated to the spiritual repertory. Because of its mythical origin, it is highly respected. Tradition holds that the begena was given to king David by God, and brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I, together with the Ark of the Covenant. It has always been the instrument of kings and nobles. Played by pious men and women of letters, it never became
About this Item

The item format is a cassette CASS
This specific sale is a new release, shipped direct from the manufacturer
The Artist Name is Various Artists
The Title is The World Is but a Place of Survival: Ethiopian Begena Songs

Condition New

Other Comments
The begena is a large ten-stringed lyre which is part of the traditional Amharic heritage of Ethiopia. The Amharas, who have long formed the politically and culturally dominant people of Ethiopia, mainly inhabit the central and northern part of the country. In the majority, they follow the monophysite Orthodox Tewahido Church established in the early fourth century AD. Music plays a very important part in the life of the church. Most of the liturgy is sung and, contrary to secular music, it is accompanied by percussion instruments only. The begena occupies a special place because it is the one melodic instrument exclusively dedicated to the spiritual repertory. Because of its mythical origin, it is highly respected. Tradition holds that the begena was given to king David by God, and brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I, together with the Ark of the Covenant. It has always been the instrument of kings and nobles. Played by pious men and women of letters, it never became widespread. But it never disappeared either, not even under the Derg regime (1974-1991) which had banned the instrument. Among Amhara string instruments, the begena is the most carefully crafted, especially with regard to the ornately sculpted crossbar. Its ten gut strings are cleaned and twisted several times. The characteristic buzzing timbre equalled by no other Amhara instrument is due to the enzirotch, that is, small bits of leather placed between each string and the bridge. This plays an important part in the sound production by creating a brief contact between the string and the upper rim of the bridge, thus modifying the vibrating properties of the string. In this manner, the spectrum of the sound is considerably enhanced (up to over 10 kHz). The begena is a very powerful instrument, it keeps the devil thirty steps away, and its presence in the home wards off malicious spirits. Priests and preachers recommend its presence, especially during Lent (Fassika Tsom) when the Orthodox Amharas ponder their sins and repent. Because of its spiritual import, the begena generates intense emotion. According to some musicians, playing the begena brings them into direct contact with God or the Virgin Mary. The religious role of the begena is underscored by the shape of the instrument, each part symbolises an important element of the faith. The crossbar for instance, which reaches across the entire width of the instrument, represents God who is above all things. The belly which "gives birth" to the sound represents the Virgin Mary, and the ten strings recall the Ten Commandments. Recorded by Stéphanie Weisser in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 2002-December 2005. Mastered by Renaud Millet-Lacombe. Issued under license from VDE-Gallo, Switzerland.

The Media Condition is New

This is new and unplayed

The Sleeve Condition is New

New unplayed

We Use Stock Images
Because we have over 2 million items for sale we have to use stock images, this listing does not include the actual image of the item for sale. The purchase of this specific item is made with the understanding that the image shown in this listing is a stock image and not the actual item for sale. For example: some of our stock images include stickers, labels, price tags, hyper stickers, obi's, promotional messages, signatures and or writing which may not be available in the actual item.

Unless a new release, cassette tapes are generally very old, a product typically of the 80s.  Tapes can look great, but we cannot guarantee the quality of the sound, speed or any distortions as age and time are not the best friends for tape cassettes.  For this reason, if any of the cassettes are pre-2000 they are sold as/is based on a visual appearance.


The Sleeve
When we describe the sleeve we are describing the printed paper cover or booklet that is included inside the case.  The case is not part of the sleeve.
 

Cassettes Version
Cassettes are released in many editions and variations, such as standard edition, re-issue, demonstration (demo), not for sale, promotional (promo), special edition, limited edition, and many other editions and versions.  The cassettes you receive could be any of these editions or variations. If you are looking for a specific edition or version please contact us to verify what we are selling before you buy it.

This Cassette Inner and Outer Sleeve
For this specific sale, the cassette sleeve condition refers only to the inner paper insert sleeve and does not refer to the outer casing. While we ship all items with some outer casing for this specific sale we are selling only the inner paper sleeve and cassettes only, as specifically outlined in the description of this listing. (we make this disclaimer as some collectors are looking for a specific outer case type). The outer casing is replaceable and has no value and is provided within this sale as packaging only. We make this disclaimer as the outside sleeve casing can be damaged or scratched, and for this reason, the outer casing is not offered as part of this sale as the Buyer can easily replace the outer casings for the inner sleeve and cassettes.
 

Gift Ideas
This is a great gift idea.

Hours of Service
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Location ID 659z

iHaveit SKU ID 1353305494

Unique Reference Number 2802437943