"Music of Indonesia, Vol. 10: Music of Biak, Irian Jaya" - Various Artists

• artist:
  Various Artists
• featured artist:
  Grups Ayfas, Roruki, Manderi, Samsena, Wambarèk and Choirs from Mara, Sor, etc.
• region:
  South East Asia
• release year:
  1996
• style(s):
  • Traditional
  • World
• country:
  Indonesia
• formats:
  • audio file / digital
  • CD (Compact Disc)
  • MC (Music Cassette)
• record submitted by:
  Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
• label:
  Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
• publisher:
  Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
• 
  buy this record

This album presents music for celebrations and church services on Biak Island in Irian Jaya. Wor songs, usually sung by choruses in seemingly chaotic, free-for-all style, were once central to traditional Biak society. Two other genres have recently developed: church songs, sung here by women's choirs in churches and in secular performances; and yospan, string based music for dance parties.

Links

• Music of Indonesia series landing page