Analysis of the Lyrical Content and Musical Structure in the Joyful Songs of the Bakhtiari People (Duwalali)

Document Type : پژوهشی اصیل

Author
MA, Department of Art Research, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract
Duwalali are joyful songs of the Bakhtiari people, traditionally sung by women and girls during marriage ceremonies. These songs serve as a means of expressing collective emotions and reflect the cultural and social values of the Bakhtiari community. The musical structure of Duwalali is based on repetition, solo singing, and choral response; their language is simple, incorporating motifs related to customs, rituals, beliefs, and traditional values. This study aims to analyze these songs through the lenses of poetic content, thematic elements, and musical composition, while exploring their role in the daily lives of the Bakhtiari people. Employing both library research and fieldwork methods, the findings highlight the deep connection between Duwalali and Bakhtiari wedding rituals, as well as their reflection of the tribe's aesthetic worldview. Additionally, women emerge as powerful narrators within Bakhtiari society. The Duwalali encapsulate values such as lineage, authenticity, occupation, wealth, morality, and 
wisdom—elements that constitute the pride and identity of the Bakhtiari tribe.
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