PERCUSSION AND SOCIAL COHESION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SAMULNORI AND HIRA GASY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17501/23572744.2025.12102Keywords:
Samulnori, Hira gasy, performing arts management, social resilience, cultural resilience.Abstract
This study explores the multifaceted psychological and socialcultural roles that traditional percussion-based performing arts play in fostering resilience and enhancing emotional well-being accross two distinct cultural contexts: specifically focusing on the nations of Korea and Madagascar. By employing a qualitative comparative research framework, this study examines the Korean Samulnori tradition and Malagasy Hira Gasy as primary cases of community oriented rhythmic expression, that embody the cultural heritage and collective identity of their respective societies. The methodological approach utilized semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with a diverse cohort of practitionners and community members (N=52). The korean cohort (n=10) comprised 2 professional performers and 8 practitioners; the Malagasy cohort (n=42) included performers, youth participants from two-week ateliers, and audience members. Data were analyzed thematically through the lens of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). How do traditionnal drumming ceremonies help us cope in life? Findings reveal that rhytmic performance facilitates emotional regulation, social connection, and collective resilience by providing a structured space for communal belonging. This cross-cultural study addresses a critical gap in contemporary cultural policy by highlighting the measurable psychosocial functions of traditional arts. This study highlights the role of traditional performance not only as cultural heritage but also as a sustainable psychological and sociological resource through a cross-cultural examination.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
