[Yar Culture] Bone Singing (Throat Singing)

[Catarrh 720]

Bone Singing

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(A family of Yar Clan goblins chanting in unison through their bone masks)

 

   Historically, the Orcs have not been known as a musical people. There have been some exceptions here and there, but most orcs care little for music, considering it to be a waste of time better spent on more utilitarian pursuits. Perhaps this is why the so-called “Bone Singing” or throat singing of Clan Yar can hardly be said to resemble what most would conventionally consider to be music. Truly, it is less singing and more chanting.

 

Bone masks

   Yar Bone Singing is always done wearing masks made from large animal skulls. Sacred Yar runes are carved around the mouth hole of each mask, intended to purify their voices and amplify them within the spirit realm. Other runes or patterns may be added according to each Yar’s preference, as long as they hold some important symbolism. Meaningless carvings are forbidden.

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((source: https://www.meinbert.com/museum-of-relics/timor-skull-masks ))

The Sacred Tones

 

   The Yars’ Bone Singing is not a frivolous practice. It is a form of ritual throat singing used to assist the Yars in reaching mental and spiritual states believed conducive to meditation. As such, seven sacred tones have been developed for specific purposes, sometimes even accompanied by instruments deemed helpful in achieving the proper tone (e.g. didgeridoos, vulture bone pipes, ram horns). 

 

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(A Yar Bone Singer utilizing a primitive instrument to aid his brothers in ritual)

 

 -The Tone of Rumination: This tone is low and quiet, encouraging deep, focused thought over serious decisions. For example, a Yar elder may engage in this chant when called upon to render judgement on some important matter.

 -The Tone of Consecration: This tone is usually sung corporately by as many Yars as can be present. It is used to sanctify an area or object, declaring it holy before mortals and spirits alike. It is a high tone, usually accompanied by bird bone pipes.

 -The Tone of Stoicism: Stoicism was held as a sacred virtue by the Yar Clan’s founder, Malog. In times of distress or tension, a clear mind is paramount to a Yar, lest he be carried off by emotion and unable to see clearly. This tone, mid-ranged but combined with low instrumentation such as the didgeridoo, is meant to facilitate a sense of calm determination.

 -The Tone of Fervor: While stoicism is treasured among Yars, righteous zeal has its place. Even their grim, somber Clanfather knows, and often embodies, this truth. This being the case, a high tone with quick, light drums is sounded among the Yars in situations in which Krug’s fiery temper is best applied.

 -The Tone of Ruination: Though generally considered to be very hospitable to their brother clans, the Yars are also infamous for their vindictive cruelty towards their enemies. It is no surprise to many then that the Yars have long boasted a heritage of powerful witch doctors. It is these vengeful shamans who typically incorporate this chant. Always comprising of at least two Yars, this tone is notable for its harsh dissonance. Their voices intentionally out of harmony with one another, the Yars call upon this tone to wish misfortune and curses on their enemies abroad. Instrumentation is optional and unspecified.

 -The Tone of Warding: This tone requires four Yars, each facing and representing one of the cardinal directions. East chants high, West chants low, North blows a constant drone through a ram’s horn, and South shakes a rattle filled with cowrie shells. The aim of this tone is to attract benevolent guardian spirits to protect an area from evil.

 -The Tone of Prognostication: Commonly used in scrying rituals, such as bone casting, or to aid clan farseers seeking visions, this chant tends to be a curious but harmonic blend of high and low tones, typically with one or more instruments, ideally a low, steady drumbeat. As such, it requires at least two or three Yars present.

 

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[Forestdwarfman 300]

I showed some interests to throat singing myself recently, trying to implement it into forest dwarf roleplay. But this is surely wonderful, I really like the whole mask idea, fits the orcs well. +1

[MangoArt 399]

Mograh prepares some tools to help Malog craft the bone masks