Najdi Ardah: A Salute to Saudi Heritage
Saudi Arabia celebrates a diversity of folk arts, embodying the nation's historical narrative, cultural identity, and valor.
Among these, the traditional group war dances called ardah stand out, particularly adopted during events and holidays to display military skill, strength, and bravery.
The most celebrated ardah variant is the Najdi Ardah, which begins with a poetic chant, followed by a rhythmic drumbeat and dancers echoing warriors' movements, led by a swordsman demonstrating expertise with deft swordplay and finger techniques.
Performers wear elaborate military garb, as explained by Saudi Ardah group leader Saleh Nasser Al-Abdulwahed. Outfits consist of the long-sleeved Al-Murawden, accessorized with Al-Zaboun and a handcrafted cashmere shawl or the formal Jokha for prestigious participants.
Warriors often prefer red attire, accessorized with a dagger, gun holster, bullet holder (mujannad), and sword, each placed strategically.
Celebrated across Saudi Arabia, Najdi ardah is integral to weddings and communal events, captivating attendees of all ages.
Regional Folk Arts
Hejaz boasts a range of folk arts like the Majrour, with performers clapping and wearing headbands, and the maritime-inspired Yanbawi tarab with its stringed simsimiyya.
In Taif, the sword-and-dagger ardah Al-Zir prevails during festivities. Northern regions resonate with traditional Samari and Dahha dances, featuring harmonious rhythms and melodies of Al-Mashoub, Al-Zubai, and Al-Hajini.
The most celebrated ardah variant is the Najdi Ardah, which begins with a poetic chant, followed by a rhythmic drumbeat and dancers echoing warriors' movements, led by a swordsman demonstrating expertise with deft swordplay and finger techniques.
Performers wear elaborate military garb, as explained by Saudi Ardah group leader Saleh Nasser Al-Abdulwahed. Outfits consist of the long-sleeved Al-Murawden, accessorized with Al-Zaboun and a handcrafted cashmere shawl or the formal Jokha for prestigious participants.
Warriors often prefer red attire, accessorized with a dagger, gun holster, bullet holder (mujannad), and sword, each placed strategically.
Celebrated across Saudi Arabia, Najdi ardah is integral to weddings and communal events, captivating attendees of all ages.
Regional Folk Arts
Hejaz boasts a range of folk arts like the Majrour, with performers clapping and wearing headbands, and the maritime-inspired Yanbawi tarab with its stringed simsimiyya.
In Taif, the sword-and-dagger ardah Al-Zir prevails during festivities. Northern regions resonate with traditional Samari and Dahha dances, featuring harmonious rhythms and melodies of Al-Mashoub, Al-Zubai, and Al-Hajini.
