kohottavan

Kohottavan is a traditional folk dance from theSamogitia region of Lithuania. The dance is characterized by the use of dowel- sticks, known as "kohottava", which are held horizontally across the shoulders and moved in unison to create a synchronized rhythm.

The origins of kohottavan date back to the 19th century, when it was performed primarily at social gatherings and folk festivals. The dance was traditionally carried out by groups of men, who would move in choreographed formations while wielding the kohottava. The rhythmic motion of the sticks was believed to possess mystical powers, and participants would often perform the dance to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Today, kohottavan remains an integral part of Lithuanian cultural heritage. While it has largely fallen out of practice as a social gathering activity, the dance is still performed in traditional events and festivals, such as the Kaunas Festival, which celebrates Lithuanian folk culture. Efforts have been made to revitalize the dance, and it is now taught in folk dance schools and clubs.

The dance is often performed to traditional instrumental music, such as enchanting melodies played on instruments like the kanklės (a type of zither) and whistles. Kohottavan's timing and coordination require practitioners to be highly attuned to the rhythm. Skilled dancers performing kohottavan emphasize sharp, synchronized sounds when the sticks touch, echoing through the performance space with thin resonating tones.

Researcher: Develops more on cultural historical perspectives of Kohottavan.