Kazakh Aytes

Xinjiang
🎧  Listen to Introduction

Kazakh Ayts is a typical representative of Kazakh folk art and a competitive duet performance. Its traditional programs mainly express the history, culture and feelings of the Kazakh people. From lyrics to music, it is full of rich Kazakh oral literature and music culture characteristics. It has outstanding historical and cultural value and is known as a "mirror" and "encyclopedia" that fully reflects the social life of the Kazakh people. It can be called an artistic treasure of the Kazakh people. There is no fixed tune or corresponding singing style for the duet of Ayts. The singers generally generate melody and rhythm from the language itself according to the content of the duet, and often play the Dongbula to accompany themselves. There are also free-mouthed singing without Dongbula accompaniment. The lyrics of Ayts are all improvised and not fixed, so the requirements for artists, namely "Aken", are very high. Ayts artists must have quick thinking and profound knowledge, have the talent of speaking fluently, have a deep understanding of the world, and be experienced in human nature. They can answer fluently in an instant and convince people with reason and talent. Because it is a competitive duet, Ayts artists usually adopt the method of self-praise and self-deprecation when performing, trying to gain the upper hand, using sharp language but understanding each other, not being arrogant when winning and not being discouraged when losing, being humble and polite when winning and not being ashamed of losing. Ayts performances must be held in large gatherings, usually between artists from different tribes and regions. With the development of the market economy and the diversification of cultural life, people's aesthetic needs have also begun to change significantly. The younger generation of the Kazakh people is less and less interested in Ayts, and this ancient traditional art is facing the danger of extinction.

Intangible culture related to the heritage

World heritage related to the heritage