Music among Piaroa Indians – Melodies and Life of an Indigenous Community in Venezuela

By István Halmos

Product Details

• Title: Music among Piaroa Indians – Melodies and Life of an Indigenous Community in Venezuela
• Author: István Halmos
• Publisher: Libri Kiadó
• Publication Year: 2012
• Format: Paperback + Audio CD
• ISBN-13: 9789633101797 / 978-9633101797
• ISBN-10: 9639204501
• Pages: 502
• Language: English

Overview

Music among Piaroa Indians by István Halmos is a groundbreaking ethnomusicological study that delves into the rich musical traditions of the Piaroa people, an indigenous community in Venezuela. Combining extensive field research with in-depth analysis, this book presents an unparalleled exploration of the melodies, instruments, and social functions of Piaroa music.

The book is accompanied by an Audio CD, which features authentic recordings of Piaroa songs, rituals, and musical expressions, offering readers a direct auditory experience of this vibrant culture.

Through a meticulous examination of Piaroa music, Halmos highlights how sound, rhythm, and melody play a crucial role in the community’s spiritual life, social structure, and oral traditions. The study also contextualizes their music within broader indigenous and South American musical landscapes, making it an invaluable resource for ethnomusicologists, anthropologists, and music enthusiasts alike.

Key Features

✔ Ethnomusicological Study – A detailed analysis of the Piaroa musical traditions based on extensive fieldwork.
✔ Includes Audio CD – Features authentic recordings of Piaroa music, offering a firsthand listening experience.
✔ Indigenous Culture and Identity – Examines the social and spiritual significance of music within Piaroa life.
✔ Interdisciplinary Approach – Merges anthropology, musicology, and cultural studies for a comprehensive understanding.
✔ Richly Detailed – A 502-page deep dive into an underrepresented musical tradition.

Interesting Facts

Unique Musical Heritage: The Piaroa people use a variety of traditional instruments, including bamboo flutes, drums, and rattles, to accompany their songs and rituals.
Cultural Preservation: Piaroa music is an oral tradition passed down through generations, reflecting their cosmology and way of life.
Rare Field Recordings: The included Audio CD provides a rare opportunity to hear authentic indigenous music in its original form.

Publisher

Published by Libri Kiadó in 2012, this book is part of the L’Harmattan series, known for its academic and cultural studies publications.

Share your thoughts! If you have read this book or listened to the recordings, let us know your experience!

Perfect for:

• Ethnomusicologists & anthropologists
• Indigenous studies researchers
• Music lovers interested in world traditions
• Anyone passionate about South American cultures

Hashtags

#Ethnomusicology #IndigenousMusic #Piaroa #SouthAmericanMusic #Venezuela #CulturalAnthropology #WorldMusic #MusicResearch #IstvánHalmos #LibriKiadó