Sega Tambour Chagos
Sega Tambour of Rodriguan Island
Bhojpuri folk songs in Mauritius, Geet Gawai
Traditional Mauritian Sega
The arrival of Indian indentured labourers to the island in the 19th century led to the exposure and inclusion of their cultures in the Mauritian society. Geet Gawai is one of the Bhojpuri folklore music which is performed as a pre-wedding ceremony. Back in the days, it used to be a week long of music consisting of an amalgamation of rites, prayers, songs and dance.
A tradition carried out at the house of the bride or groom with the female members of the family and neighbours. Dressed in colorful sarees and traditional attires, they all sit in a half moon form with the bride/groom in the middle. A group of five women then begin with a ritual of arranging turmeric, rice, grass and money in a bit of cloth while they chant to Hindu Gods and Goddesses seeking protection and blessings.
After this, the mother of the betrothed along with the drummer pay reverence to the musical gear. A vibrant performance then starts on the beats of the “dholak” (two faced drum), metal spoons hit against the ”lota” (brass pot), “thali” (brass plate) and other household items. Singing and dancing to the tunes of the Bhojpuri language, moments of unity and tradition are nurtured.
Geet Gawai is not only about the unique hip dancing movements but also an occasion to have traditional snacks, hot tea or “paan” (betel leaves with cloves,cardamom and lime) made on the spot. The ceremony ends with soaked black chickpeas shared with everyone. A female centric custom which has transcended time to now include non-Bhojpuri speakers and the male gender. Showcased in cultural programmes, Geet Gawai has become a symbol of national heritage. Since 2016, it has been recorded on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A spirited distinct music genre of Mauritius that was created by the African and Malay descents. During the enslavement period, slaves would share their emotional turmoils through music to ease their minds and physical miseries. It also encompasses moments of joy, celebration, hope and resistance.
Known for its lively tempo in accordance with traditional musical instruments like the “ravanne” (a goat skin drum), “maravanne” (a rattle made from sugarcane reeds) or “triangle” (a small metal triangle along with a rod). The dance with unique graceful hip movements, rhythmic foot steps combined with expressive songs, are usually performed in front of a bonfire.
Over the years, Sega has incorporated components of the Indian, Creole and European cultures and has evolved in a novel musical genre that unifies Mauritians of all backgrounds. Now Sega is synonymous with festive moments and widely performed across the island.
Sega is more than music as it is a commemoration of freedom and identity. A deep rooted legacy in Mauritian society. In 2014, Sega Tipik (traditional Sega) was acknowledged by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Situated in the bay of Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis, Aapravasi Ghat meaning immigration depot in Hindi, was built in 1849. It is one of the oldest remaining immigration depots in the world linked to indenture labour. After the abolishment of slavery, the British Government used Mauritius as its first site for the ‘Great Experiment’ of using indentured labour to work in sugarcane fields.
Over 462,000 indentured laborers from China, the Comores, Madagascar, Mozambique, South East Asia and mostly from India landed at the depot. A site which led to the birth of Mauritius’ intercultural society and identity.
There is also the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre which exhibits the conception and evolution of the indentured system in the world. It also portrays the journey of indentured labourers at the depot in Mauritius.
In 2006, the Aapravasi Ghat was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located in the Southwest part of the island, Le Morne Brabant is a majestic mountain that bears witness to the slavery period on the island during the 18th and 19th century. A shelter for runaway slaves and maroons but also a place where many jumped to their deaths. They chose to end their lives rather than be captured and tortured.
With the passage of time, the runaways managed to settle on the mountain and it became a strong symbol of resistance and freedom. Today, it has become a sacred ground for all Mauritians and also a painful reminder of the scars of colonisation.
A key part of the island’s heritage and identity, Le Morne Cultural Landscape is deeply rooted in Mauritian folklore. There are many tragic tales about the sufferings and sacrifices of the slaves.
Such a tale is when fugitive slaves saw people coming up the mountain, they leapt off the rugged cliffs. Unaware that they were just coming to tell them that slavery was abolished and they were free now. A place filled with history and cultural impact.
In 2008, Le Morne Brabant was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape are more renowned and symbolic of Mauritius, it has far more relics of its colonial past. There are 184 landmarks like cemeteries, monuments, sugarcane mills, windmill tower, buildings, railway station and more. Each of them bear testimony to the chronicles of slavery, migration, fight for freedom, fusion of cultures, development of the island and so forth. These distinctive locations provide a deeper understanding of the island and its people.
In Rodrigues island, there are about 6 places showcasing its history. National heritage sites like ex-administration blocks, canon, Ben Gontron House, Mont Venus guard post and others. All stand witness to the island’s cultural background and the era of colonisation.
The National Heritage Sites are protected under the National Heritage Fund and are emblematic of the island’s historical identity.
