Attonborah Band: African Instrument in Yemeni Style [Archives:2000/20/Culture]
Saleh Abdulbaqi
Cultural Editor
The Attonborah band is a private band. It works under the supervision of Culture Office in Lahij. But unfortunately, the band lacks many accessories essential for the instrument. For example they bring peacock’s feather for Attonborah strings from Egypt because it is not available in Yemen.
The band uses four drums with Attonborah, two of which are big and the other two are small. It is clear that these drums are different from other drums used in the Yemeni popular dance (like ‘Alhajer drum’, made of wood and leather). These drums are bigger than the ordinary popular drums. They are made of metal, and are covered with leather. They produce loud sounds when beaten with a wooden stick. The big drum is called “Girab” and the small one is called “Habshi” or “Dabah”. Another drum is used to differentiate the popular dances of Attonborah.
They dry sheep’s nails and make them into a belt-like shape. This belt is put round the dancer’s shoulder . It is called ‘Almanjour’. When the dancer dances, he shakes his body to create a distinctive sound. He may dance alone or with a group of dancers. These instruments create the originality of popular arts in Lahij.
The African art has been fused with the Yemeni popular art in Lahij and to create e a special flavor. This popular band occupies an important position among the Yemeni popular folk arts.
This art syncronises with the Yemeni popular dances all over the country. It projects an impressive picture of our originality among the ancient civilizations.
When we look at ‘Attonborah’, we find that it differs from ‘Assimsimyah’ as used in some Arab countries, although it takes the same shape. The head of the band, Mr. Abdullah Adhahiri pointed out that Assimsimyah took its design from Attonborah. The difference between them is in terms of musical strings. This art has been practiced for the past 120 years. It was brought by sailors who came to Aden port and resided in Lahi. There are two kinds of Attonborah, one big and one small. The big one is called Al’aom or the mother, the small one is called Albint or the daughter. The band uses the big one during the formal occasions and international festivals.
The whole band depends on Attonborah. It is 2 ft. in width and 2 ft. in length. It is supported by wooden sticks put around it. Attonborah has five musical strings. They are made of animal intestines. These strings are named Bomah, Shararah, Ghalith, Jawab, and Lagharis. These are embroidered from outside with the best kinds of clothes.
All members of Attonborah band are professionals. They believe that through their participation in the national and international festivals, they can demonstrate their superb artistry. Through this art, they strive to preserve the popular tradition of Yemen.
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