From the expressions of Omani intangible cultural heritage (the art of Al-Bar'a)

Author and publisher: Ministry of Heritage and Culture Intangible cultural heritage plays an active role in the culture of nations and peoples, through it one can learn about the culture of a people and the extent of influence and impact by other cultures, and intangible heritage is considered the true inspiring factor for understanding data and studying the behaviors of any people. The cultural legacy is a language understandable and communicable, and a condensation of accumulated experiences and trials internally. The Sultanate has been keen to preserve its intangible cultural heritage as a reflection of the importance of this valuable legacy in the contemporary developmental movement witnessed by the country. The Sultanate is rich with many elements of this living heritage due to the authentic Omani culture that has formed and intertwined with other global civilizations. The Sultanate has recognized the importance of this aspect, as it ratified the International Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage under Royal Decree No. 56/2005 issued on June 22, 2005, and was able to be a member of the Convention’s Intergovernmental Committee from 2008 to 2012. Al-Bar’ah art (an Omani term) A term derived from “bar’a al-rajul,” meaning a person who performs Al-Bar’ah. Someone wishing to perform Al-Bar’ah would give a symbolic amount of money or a tangible gift to the band owner to allow him to perform. The gift in this case is considered a reservation of the role, as not everyone is permitted to perform. This art is performed by two or more people dressed in traditional Omani attire, the dishdasha and shawl, raising the dagger’s head during their performance. The Al-Bar’ah art is practiced during social and national occasions among the residents of coastal areas in Dhofar Governorate and some coastal cities in the Eastern region, such as Sur and Jalaan. This art is accompanied by musical instruments including the ney (flute), the Kasir drum, the Rahmani, the Marwas, and the Daff (frame drum), and a stringed instrument called the Oud has been introduced to it.