Inuit throat singing

Inuit throat singing,orkatajjaq(Inuktitut syllabics:ᑲᑕᔾᔭᖅ), is a distinct type ofthroat singinguniquely found among theInuit.It is a form of musical performance, traditionally consisting of two women who singduetsin a close face-to-face formation with no instrumental accompaniment, in an entertaining contest to see who can outlast the other; however, one of the genre's most famous practitioners,Tanya Tagaq,performs as a solo artist. Several groups, includingTudjaat,The Jerry Cans,Quantum TangleandSilla + Rise,also now blend traditional throat singing with mainstream musical genres such as pop, folk, rock and dance music.^[1]

An analogous form calledrekuhkarawas once practiced among theAinuof Hokkaidō, Japan.

Names

The name for throat singing in Canada varies with the geography:

Iirngaaq^[2]– someNunavutcommunities
Piqqusiraarniq^[2]or Pirkusirtuk^[3]–IgloolikandBaffin Island
Qiarvaaqtuq^[2]–Arviat
Katajjaq^[2]or Katadjak^[3]–Nunavikand South Baffin
Nipaquhiit^[3]– some Nunavut communities

History

Originally, katajjaq was a form of entertainment among Inuit women while men were away on hunting trips, and it was regarded more as a type of vocal or breathing game in the Inuit culture rather than a form of music.^[4]^[5]Katajjiniq sound can create an impression of rhythmic and harmonious panting. Inuit throat singing can also imitate wind, water, animal sounds and other everyday sounds.^[6]

This playful practice testifies to a long oral tradition of the women ofNunavik,a territory located in the North Québec region. From generation to generation, the Inuit have passed on knowledge of nature and the environment as well as the techniques associated with their throat games. Katajjaniq has rare, and unique, expressive characteristics. Even though inuit throat games are no longer performed to hasten the return of hunters, attract animals or influence the natural elements, they still retain some of their original functions, such as entertainment and group cohesion.^[7]

Very much alive in the Inuit communities of Quebec, the katajjaniq still marks the high points ofNunavikpeople since it is present in calendar holidays, cultural celebrations and important political events. A source of great pride and a powerful symbol of identity, the katajjaniq is a distinctive expression of Nunavik culture. The Inuit recognize katajjaniq as part of their cultural heritage.^[8]

Performance

Two women face each other usually in a standing position and holding each other's arms. Sometimes they will do some kind of dance movements while singing (e.g., balancing from right to left). One singer leads by setting a shortrhythmic pattern,which she repeats leaving brief silent intervals between each repetition. The other singer fills in the gap with another rhythmic pattern. The sounds used include voiced sounds as well as unvoiced ones, both throughinhalationorexhalation.^[9]The first to run out of breath or be unable to maintain the pace of the other singer will start to laugh or simply stop and will thus be eliminated from the game. It generally lasts between one and three minutes. The winner is the singer who beats the largest number of people.^[10]^[11]^[5]

At one time, the lips of the two women almost touched, so that one singer used the mouth cavity of the other as aresonator,but this is less common in present day. Often, the singing is accompanied by ashufflingin rhythm from one foot to the other. The sounds may be actual words or nonsense syllables or created during exhalation.^[5]

The old woman who teaches the children [throat singing songs] corrects sloppy intonation of contours, poorly meshed phase displacements, and vague rhythms exactly like a Western vocal coach.^[12]^[13]

Notable performers

Notable performers includeTanya Tagaq,who performs in a contemporary style, andThe Jerry Cans,who incorporate throat singing by band member Nancy Mike as a musical and rhythmic element in a conventionalfolk rocksound and style. Traditional performers includeQaunak Mikkigak,Kathleen Ivaluarjuk Merritt,as well asAlacie TullaugaqandLucy Amarualikwho perform in the Katajjaq style.