Difference between revisions of "Geom-mu: The Korean Sword Dance" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Hyewon-Ssanggeum.daemu.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Geommu: Korean Sword Dance]]
 
Geom-mu refers to a traditional [[sword dance]] practiced in [[Korea]]. Korean folk dancers perform Geom-mu with special costumes, dance motions, and music. The dance has earned a reputation of beauty and grace in performance. The dancers place special emphasis on the movement of the costumes, notably the sleeves, in harmony with the dance movements. The symbolic use of the [[Kal]], a replica sword, keeps to the militaristic origins of the dance. Geom-mu has become a dance of great beauty, awarded the distinction as Intangible Cultural Treasure number 12 by the [[Republic of Korea]].
 
Geom-mu refers to a traditional [[sword dance]] practiced in [[Korea]]. Korean folk dancers perform Geom-mu with special costumes, dance motions, and music. The dance has earned a reputation of beauty and grace in performance. The dancers place special emphasis on the movement of the costumes, notably the sleeves, in harmony with the dance movements. The symbolic use of the [[Kal]], a replica sword, keeps to the militaristic origins of the dance. Geom-mu has become a dance of great beauty, awarded the distinction as Intangible Cultural Treasure number 12 by the [[Republic of Korea]].
  
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==History==
 
==History==
−
Surviving as a folk dance and cultural asset, Geom-mu was considerably changed during the [[Joseon]] Dynasty period from 1392 through 1910. At that point Geom-mu was rearranged by the Royal Court and recreated by the [[Kisaeng]]. The Kisaeng learned the formalized dance through the [[Gwonbeon]], a pre-[[Korean War]] performance institution comparable to the [[Geisha]] tradition of [[Japan]]. One major change was the Kisaeng performers discontinued wearing the traditional mask while dancing Geom-mu. Geom-mu has  remained a Court dance in the form of Jinju-Geomu but has also retained its status as a primarily female dance. Geom-mu was also modified to use a replica sword while performing to prevent accidental injuries to the performer and audience.
+
Surviving as a folk dance and cultural asset, Geom-mu changed considerably during the [[Joseon]] Dynasty period from 1392 through 1910. During the Joseon dynasty, the Royal Court rearranged Geom-mu, [[Kisaeng]] recreating the dance. Kisaeng learned the formalized dance through the [[Gwonbeon]], a pre-[[Korean War]] performance institution comparable to the [[Geisha]] tradition of [[Japan]]. In a major change, the Kisaeng performers discontinued wearing the traditional mask while dancing Geom-mu. Geom-mu remained a Court dance in the form of Jinju-Geomu but also remained a female dance. The Joseon court modified Geom-mu so that performers used replica swords while to avoid accidental injuries to the performer and audience.
  
 
===Costume===
 
===Costume===
  
 
[[Image:Hyewon dancer.jpg|thumb|Detail from an early 19th-century Korean painting titled "Ssanggeomdaemo" (雙劍對舞) by [[Hyewon]], depicting a female entertainer performing Geommu.]]
 
[[Image:Hyewon dancer.jpg|thumb|Detail from an early 19th-century Korean painting titled "Ssanggeomdaemo" (雙劍對舞) by [[Hyewon]], depicting a female entertainer performing Geommu.]]
−
Dancers of Geom-mu wear [[Hanbok]], Kwaeja (overcoat), Jeon-Dae (belt), and Jeon-Rip (military style cap). Hanbok is the traditional Korean dress that consists of Chima (a skirt) and Jeogori (a jacket). These elements combine to form a stylized version of the Joseon Dynasty military uniform. The costume traditionally has the colors of blue, red, yellow, green and black but many regional variations exist. The [[Jinju]] region has a blue Chima and a jade green Jeogori. [[Gwangju]] in the [[Jeolla]] province has a red Chima and a light green Jeogori.
+
Dancers of Geom-mu wear [[Hanbok]], Kwaeja (overcoat), Jeon-Dae (belt), and Jeon-Rip (military style cap). Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, consists of Chima (a skirt) and Jeogori (a jacket). Those elements combine to form a stylized version of the [[Joseon Dynasty]] military uniform. The costume traditionally has the colors of blue, red, yellow, green and black although many regional variations exist. The [[Jinju]] region has a blue Chima and a jade green Jeogori. [[Gwangju]] in the [[Jeolla]] province has a red Chima and a light green Jeogori.
  
−
The Kal is the replica sword used in Geom-mu. Between the blade and the handle of a Kal are three rings called Kukhwa. These three rings have varying sizes and make sounds when performers dance the Geom-mu.
+
Dancers use a [[Kal]], or replica sword, in Geom-mu. Three rings, called Kukhwa, position between the blade and the handle. Those three rings have varying sizes, making sounds when performers dance the Geom-mu.
  
 
===Performing===
 
===Performing===
−
Geom-mu is a group dancing activity performed by 6 to 8 performers. It has two unique characters which are “Chum-sawi,” a dance motion, and “Changdan,” rhythmic cycle or ‘long and short’. There are three typical motions, Ipchum-sawi, Anjeon-sawi, and Yeonpungdae. In Ipchum-sawi the dancers form two rows and stand face to face. Anjeon-sawi is to dance kneeling down while maintaining the two rows of Ipchum-sawi. The last motion, Yeonpungdae, the dancers form a circle and rotate in pattern.
+
Geom-mu a group of six to eight dancers normally perform Geom-mu. “Chum-sawi,” a dance motion, and “Changdan,” rhythmic cycle or ‘long and short’ constitute two unique characteristics of Geom-mu. Three typical motions---Ipchum-sawi, Anjeon-sawi, and Yeonpungdae---combine to create the choreography. In Ipchum-sawi, the dancers form two rows, standing face to face. Dancers perform kneeling down in the Anjeon-sawi movement while maintaining the two rows of Ipchum-sawi. In the last motion, Yeonpungdae, the dancers form a circle and rotate in pattern.
  
 
====Geom-mu and Changdan rhythmic patterns====
 
====Geom-mu and Changdan rhythmic patterns====
−
In Geom-mu, special rhythmic cycles called Changdan appear. Changdan is usually made by [[Janggu]], a double-headed hourglass drum and [[Buk]], a barrel drum. In Korea there are many variations of Changdan with each name designating a certain type of meter, tempo, and beat. Basic nature of Korean rhythmic patterns may be described as having these four main characteristics (Garland encyclopedia of world: East Asia- China, Japan, Korea, p. 901).  
+
In Geom-mu, dancers perform special rhythmic cycles called Changdan, using [[Janggu]], a double-headed hourglass drum and [[Buk]], a barrel drum. In Korea, many variations of Changdan exist each with a name designating a certain type of meter, tempo, and beat. The basic nature of Korean rhythmic patterns have those four main characteristics. <ref>Garland encyclopedia of world: East Asia- China, Japan, Korea, p. 901.</ref>
 +
:1. A length of time, short enough to be held easily in memory and quickly recognized.
  
−
:A length of time, short enough to be held easily in memory and quickly recognized.
+
:2. A sense of speed (not tempo, which is related to beat)
  
−
:A sense of speed (not tempo, which is related to beat)
+
:3. A typical meter, which fills the length of time
  
−
:A typical meter, which fills the length of time
+
:4. Characteristic events the rhythmic pattern
  
−
:Characteristic events the rhythmic pattern
+
===Types of [[Korean traditional music]] in Geom-mu===
 +
“Samhyeon-Nyukgak” represents the Korean traditional music used in Geom-mu. Originally, Samhyeon designated three chordophones, Geomungo, [[Gayageum]], and Hyangbipa and Nyukgak designated [[Buk]], [[Janggu]], Haegeum, and [[Piri]] in the Unified [[Silla]] period from 654 C.E. to 780 C.E.. The significance of Samhyeon disappeared, remaining through the transmission of Nyukgak. Contemporarily, Samhyeonnyukgak refers to the wind instrumental music used to accompany marching and dancing with six instruments: Haegeum, Janggu, Buk, Daegeum, and two Piri.
  
−
===Types of [[Korean traditional music]] in Geom-mu===
+
Haegeum, a string instrument, resembl3w a violin. [Jangu] and [buk] are [[drums]]. Craftsmen make Changgu with a hollow wooden body and two leather skins. The two sides produce sounds of different pitch and tone. Puk, played with both an open hand and a wooden stick in the other hand, has a barrel-shape with a round wooden body covered on both ends with animal skin. Daegeum and Piri are aerophones; Daegeum, a large bamboo transverse flute, and Piri, a double reed instrument made of bamboo. Piri's large reed and cylindrical bore produces a sound mellower than many other types of oboe.
−
Korean traditional music of Geom-mu is “Samhyeon-Nyukgak.” Originally, Samhyeon designated three chordophones, Geomungo, Gayageum, and Hyangbipa and Nyukgak designated [[Buk]], [[Janggu]], Haegeum, and [[Piri]] at the Unified [[Silla]] period from 654 to 780. The significance of Samhyeon had disappeared and remained the import of Nyukgak. Nowadays Samhyeonnyukgak indicates the wind instrumental music. It is used to accompany marching and dancing with 6 instruments, Haegeum, Janggu, Buk, Daegeum, and two Piri. Haegeum is a string instrument, resembling a violin. [Jangu] and [buk] are [[drums]]. Changgu is made from a hollow wooden body and two leather skins. The two sides produce sounds of different pitch and tone. Puk is a barrel-shaped with a round wooden body covered on both ends with animal skin. It is played with both an open hand and a wooden stick in the other hand. Daegeum and Piri are aerophones. Daegeum is a large bamboo transverse flute and Piri is a double reed instrument made of bamboo. Its large reed and cylindrical bore gives it a sound mellower than that of many other types of oboe.
+
 
 +
===Preservation of Geom-mu===
 +
Many aspects of the Geom-mu have been forgotten. The [[Republic of Korea]] passed the Cultural Properties Protection Act in 1962 named to preserve Geom-mu and other intangible cultural properties. As menitioned above, the Republic of Korea named Geom-mu Intangible Cultural Property no. 12 in 1967. The [[Jinju]] province of [[South Korea]] actively preserves and performs Geom-Mu.
  
−
==Preservation of Geom-mu==
+
==Notes==
−
Many parts of Geom-mu have been lost over time. The [[Republic of Korea]] established a law in 1962 named the Cultural Properties Protection Act in order to protect Geom-mu and other intangible cultural properties. Geom-mu was named as the 12th intangible cultural property by law in 1967. Geom-Mu is actively preserved and practiced primarily in the [[Jinju]] province of [[South Korea]]. 
+
<references/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 19:42, 6 October 2007

Geommu: Korean Sword Dance

Geom-mu refers to a traditional sword dance practiced in Korea. Korean folk dancers perform Geom-mu with special costumes, dance motions, and music. The dance has earned a reputation of beauty and grace in performance. The dancers place special emphasis on the movement of the costumes, notably the sleeves, in harmony with the dance movements. The symbolic use of the Kal, a replica sword, keeps to the militaristic origins of the dance. Geom-mu has become a dance of great beauty, awarded the distinction as Intangible Cultural Treasure number 12 by the Republic of Korea.


The Origins

Geom-mu originated during the later portion of the Three Kingdoms of Korea with estimates placing it near 660 C.E. At that time, Korea divided into the three kingdoms, Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo. The legend of Geommu portrays a young boy in Silla named Hwangchang with a exceptional talent for sword dance. His talent brought him great fame, even in the enemy kingdom, Baekje. One day, a king of Baekje invited him to his court to perform his great skill. The boy performed but in an act of great defiance killed the king before the royal assembly. The Baekje military executed Hwangchang. People in Silla expressed their respect and sorrow at Hwangchang’s death by dancing in imitation of Hwangchang’s abilities, adorning a mask which resembled face. Thereafter, people named this dance “Hwangchang-mu.”

Variations

Geom-mu (劍舞) compounds two Chinese characters: "Geom," (劍) meaning sword, and "Mu," (舞) meaning dance. That name applies to the basic forms of the dance. "Hwangchang-mu" refers to the story of the origin of the sword dance. "Jinju-Geommu" refers to the royal court version of the dance.

History

Surviving as a folk dance and cultural asset, Geom-mu changed considerably during the Joseon Dynasty period from 1392 through 1910. During the Joseon dynasty, the Royal Court rearranged Geom-mu, Kisaeng recreating the dance. Kisaeng learned the formalized dance through the Gwonbeon, a pre-Korean War performance institution comparable to the Geisha tradition of Japan. In a major change, the Kisaeng performers discontinued wearing the traditional mask while dancing Geom-mu. Geom-mu remained a Court dance in the form of Jinju-Geomu but also remained a female dance. The Joseon court modified Geom-mu so that performers used replica swords while to avoid accidental injuries to the performer and audience.

Costume

Detail from an early 19th-century Korean painting titled "Ssanggeomdaemo" (雙劍對舞) by Hyewon, depicting a female entertainer performing Geommu.

Dancers of Geom-mu wear Hanbok, Kwaeja (overcoat), Jeon-Dae (belt), and Jeon-Rip (military style cap). Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, consists of Chima (a skirt) and Jeogori (a jacket). Those elements combine to form a stylized version of the Joseon Dynasty military uniform. The costume traditionally has the colors of blue, red, yellow, green and black although many regional variations exist. The Jinju region has a blue Chima and a jade green Jeogori. Gwangju in the Jeolla province has a red Chima and a light green Jeogori.

Dancers use a Kal, or replica sword, in Geom-mu. Three rings, called Kukhwa, position between the blade and the handle. Those three rings have varying sizes, making sounds when performers dance the Geom-mu.

Performing

Geom-mu a group of six to eight dancers normally perform Geom-mu. “Chum-sawi,” a dance motion, and “Changdan,” rhythmic cycle or ‘long and short’ constitute two unique characteristics of Geom-mu. Three typical motions---Ipchum-sawi, Anjeon-sawi, and Yeonpungdae---combine to create the choreography. In Ipchum-sawi, the dancers form two rows, standing face to face. Dancers perform kneeling down in the Anjeon-sawi movement while maintaining the two rows of Ipchum-sawi. In the last motion, Yeonpungdae, the dancers form a circle and rotate in pattern.

Geom-mu and Changdan rhythmic patterns

In Geom-mu, dancers perform special rhythmic cycles called Changdan, using Janggu, a double-headed hourglass drum and Buk, a barrel drum. In Korea, many variations of Changdan exist each with a name designating a certain type of meter, tempo, and beat. The basic nature of Korean rhythmic patterns have those four main characteristics. [1]

1. A length of time, short enough to be held easily in memory and quickly recognized.
2. A sense of speed (not tempo, which is related to beat)
3. A typical meter, which fills the length of time
4. Characteristic events the rhythmic pattern

Types of Korean traditional music in Geom-mu

“Samhyeon-Nyukgak” represents the Korean traditional music used in Geom-mu. Originally, Samhyeon designated three chordophones, Geomungo, Gayageum, and Hyangbipa and Nyukgak designated Buk, Janggu, Haegeum, and Piri in the Unified Silla period from 654 C.E. to 780 C.E.. The significance of Samhyeon disappeared, remaining through the transmission of Nyukgak. Contemporarily, Samhyeonnyukgak refers to the wind instrumental music used to accompany marching and dancing with six instruments: Haegeum, Janggu, Buk, Daegeum, and two Piri.

Haegeum, a string instrument, resembl3w a violin. [Jangu] and [buk] are drums. Craftsmen make Changgu with a hollow wooden body and two leather skins. The two sides produce sounds of different pitch and tone. Puk, played with both an open hand and a wooden stick in the other hand, has a barrel-shape with a round wooden body covered on both ends with animal skin. Daegeum and Piri are aerophones; Daegeum, a large bamboo transverse flute, and Piri, a double reed instrument made of bamboo. Piri's large reed and cylindrical bore produces a sound mellower than many other types of oboe.

Preservation of Geom-mu

Many aspects of the Geom-mu have been forgotten. The Republic of Korea passed the Cultural Properties Protection Act in 1962 named to preserve Geom-mu and other intangible cultural properties. As menitioned above, the Republic of Korea named Geom-mu Intangible Cultural Property no. 12 in 1967. The Jinju province of South Korea actively preserves and performs Geom-Mu.

Notes

  1. ↑ Garland encyclopedia of world: East Asia- China, Japan, Korea, p. 901.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Malborg, Kim, and Lee Jean Young. 2005. Korean dance. Uri munhwa ŭi ppuri rŭl chʻajasŏ, 8. Seoul Korea: Ewha Womans University Press. ISBN 9788973006267
  • Korea (South). 2000. Korean intangible cultural properties. Elizabeth, NJ: Hollym International Corp. ISBN 9781565911505
  • Provine, Robert C., Yoshihiko Tokumaru, and J. Lawrence Witzleben. 2002. The Garland encyclopedia of world music. Volume 7, East Asia: China, Japan, and Korea. Garland encyclopedia of world music, v. 7. New York: Routledge. ISBN 9780824060411
  • Van Zile, Judy. 2001. Perspectives on Korean dance. Middletown, Conn: Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 9780819564948

External Links

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