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]
 Folk musician Thanga Darlong holding the Rosem | |
| Classification | Wind instrument |
|---|---|
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 421.121 (Flute) |
| Inventor(s) | Darlong tribe |
| Developed | Traditional use in Tripura, India |
| Timbre | Melodic |
| Volume | Varies |
| Attack | Quick |
| Decay | Moderate |
| Playing range | |
|
Limited to a specific octave Variable | |
| Musicians | |
| Traditional Darlong musicians | |
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
editReferences
edit- ^ "Rosem wins over infertility of Padmashri in Tripura". Eastern Panorama. July 2019.
- ^ a b c "Sorem in Tripura". Indianculture.gov.in.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Deb Barman, Priyanka (December 4, 2023). "Tripura: Last tribal musical instrument player, Padma shri awardee passes away". Hindustan Times.
- ^ Chakraborty, Sujit (February 28, 2019). "Tripura tribal artist Thanga Darlong defies poverty, gets Padma Shri for promoting rare musical instrument". National Herald.
