A Cultural and Cognitive Approach to the Study of Melanesian Ritual Music

Abstract

Ethnomusicologists specialized in Melanesian ritual music concentrate their research mainly on the performed music, without contemplating its structural connection with rhythmic features – neither in terms of group movement or dancing nor in relation to song texts. However, there is more and more evidence that the combination of music, movement, and text creates the perception of strong emotions and that cultural knowledge, transmitted by the ritual, is responsible for the strong emotions of participants who feel a communication with the spirits of the deceased ancestors. To create such strong emotions, it is necessary for participants to “read” the signals and information transmitted through music and dance. These signals and information are part of the cultural knowledge, including belief system and myths. People who do not understand these signals might not be able to feel the strong emotions that lead to a communication with the ancestor spirits.