Corridor: Diagonal Road
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Glamoch
Type: Intangible Heritage
Epoch:
Theme: Intangible Heritage
World Heritage:

Gluho glamocko kolo is characteristic of a region of Western Bosnia, i.e. the area of the Glamoc plain surrounding the town of Glamoc. It belongs to the Dinaric type of folk dances. In the context of this dance, we must also mention the Glamoc folk dress characterised by extensive use of metal accessories, usually coins used to decorate garments. The metal accessories jingle during the dancing creating a characteristic sound.
The gluho glamocko kolo is performed by men and women without instrumental or vocal accompaniment. The dancers form a ring holding hands. The rhythm is set by forceful stomping, the already mentioned jingling of coins and the ring leader. The ring leader sets various dance steps, usually consisting of jumps, for the dancers in the ring and intermittently shouts out various jokes or jibes at the dancers, expecting an equally witty retort. The dancing in the ring would go on for several hours without pause. This physically demanding dance, like other traditional folk dances in a patriarchal society, allowed for emotional and physical contact between young men and women, but also served to reveal the stamina and health of a potential partner necessary for their future life together.
Today, this dance is mostly performed by cultural and art societies.

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