An Ethnographic Approach to Women’s Identity Celebrating in Folklore: ‘Ahwash Ntfrkhin’as a Case Study

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2020 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 7 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2020

Authors : Sekkal Khadija

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I1P105

How to Cite?

Sekkal Khadija, "An Ethnographic Approach to Women’s Identity Celebrating in Folklore: ‘Ahwash Ntfrkhin’as a Case Study," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 7,  no. 1, pp. 33-38, 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I1P105

Abstract:

The paper is about the discourse used by women in ahwash (a folk dance in Sous, Morocco). It aims at documenting the way ahwash ntfrkhin, (girls’ ahwash)articulates anempowering and often challenging discourse via performance and lyrics. Though there are many folkloric performances in Sous, ahwash ntfrkhin stands as the epitome of all the dances since it grants women the opportunity to enjoy autonomy and freedom of expression and experience. Freedom of expression implies that women can express freely and outwardly a particular feminine world view. Yet, freedom of experience refers to the fact that females experience themselves as active subjects during this performance. The study unfolds that women are successful in challenging male dominion in ahwash ntfrkhin showing their solidarity and unity against any patriarchal domination and celebrate themselves as independent beings. The study also underlines that folklore, though oftentimes gender-biased, subverts patriarchy and gives evidence that women can be more fruitful if they are given the same chances and freedom that men enjoy. For this reason, an all-round investigation of women in folklore emphasizing gender equality is pre-requisite.

Keywords:

folklore, ahwash ntfrkhin, Soussi women, self-celebration, resistance.

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