Folk arts have proven to be a powerful and attractive tool for bringing people together
Folk arts encompass various forms, including traditional dances, folk songs, handicrafts, folk theater, and oral storytelling
By Souad Khalil | Libya
When we speak of folk arts, we refer to a set of artistic expressions that reflect the culture and traditions of a specific society. These expressions are passed down through generations via social practices, without direct involvement from traditional or professional art institutions. Folk arts embody the cultural and historical identity of nations and peoples. They often emerge from daily life and collective experiences, addressing themes related to nature, social life, religious beliefs, as well as myths and folktales.
Folk arts encompass various forms, including traditional dances, folk songs, handicrafts, folk theater, and oral storytelling. One of their most notable features is that they express people’s concerns and joys, highlighting deep connections to land and community. These arts are also known for their flexibility and adaptability to changing social and cultural conditions, keeping them alive and constantly renewed.
Life surprises us every day with astonishing developments, discoveries, and inventions that were once beyond imagination. As the world continues to grow in complexity and advancement, human beings experience a growing sense of alienation. The gap between individuals—and even within the self—widens. The world often pushes us toward forming isolated personal spaces, leading to a frightening kind of selfish solitude. In modern society, we are merely computer data entries or digital images attached to personal information and activities—data that may disappear completely the moment our lives end, unless we contribute something lasting or memorable.
One essential truth of existence must be recognized and reinforced in contemporary life: the importance of our relationship with others. It is vital to foster and sustain this connection, maintaining communication and closeness regardless of circumstances or unforeseen developments. God created humans in diverse races and colors, spread across the Earth as nations, tribes, and communities so that life could be built upon the knowledge of others, and the extension of bridges of understanding.
What applies to the individual also applies to groups, tribes, and nations—there is a constant and urgent need for human connection. This connection prevents discord and wars and closes the doors to greed, exploitation of resources, and domination over others. A breakdown in communication often leads to a limited understanding of others, which only adds to the complexity of conflicts.
As Professor Ali Obeid Khalifa wrote about folk arts, understanding requires communication that brings viewpoints closer together, fosters intellectual exchange, and allows ideas to influence one another—sometimes even reshaping them completely. Such communication creates new dialogues from diverse and unique perspectives. Throughout history, enmity and wars between nations have brought nothing but destruction. They have never been true solutions to problems. The hatred passed down and the human losses suffered on all sides leave deep and enduring scars.
Often, the first connection between two strangers meeting for the first time is through the familiar question: “Where are you from?” or “Which country are you from?” This question is loaded with meaning. It does not merely ask about geographical location—it also seeks to know what language you speak, which culture you belong to, and what civilization you represent. Your answer may elevate or diminish your image in the eyes of your listener. Cultural identity shapes who we are, and by “culture” we mean the full spectrum of values, traditions, and social foundations upon which an individual is raised. No matter how much a person changes or grows, their early cultural roots—shaped by their national identity—remain the deepest and most lasting influence.
Among all nations, folk arts—especially in the early stages of cultural awareness—are spontaneous and simple expressions of the spirit and wisdom of people, their way of life, and their patterns of thinking. These arts reveal the character of the surrounding environment, including customs, traditions, attire, songs, musical instruments, gestures, chants, rituals, and all the visual and symbolic elements they contain. These components work together to express a noble, human-centered message.
We often feel a great deal of curiosity and enthusiasm to learn about the folk arts of other cultures, to interpret their symbols, understand their meanings, and sometimes even imitate them with passion and dedication. What often stands out in these arts is the performance level, their unique character, and the degree of individuality they reflect.
Folk arts have proven to be a powerful and attractive tool for bringing people together—whether through travel, trade, or the migration of tribes, communities, and individuals. Wherever they went, people practiced their arts, customs, and rituals. Later, international festivals and cultural exchanges among friendly nations played an important role in showcasing folk arts as a means to present creative abilities, express national identity, and highlight artistic skills.
Modern multimedia technology has significantly contributed to the spread of these arts through audiovisual recordings, helping to promote and market them—sometimes even turning them into popular and exciting cultural attractions.
It is widely understood that the source of traditional arts lies in the deep cultural roots of each people. The soul of every nation is embedded in the atmosphere created by these genuine artistic expressions. Most of these arts are associated with national events, religious rituals, festive ceremonies, or social entertainment. Some are songs, chants, and dances linked to traditional professions and crafts—such as the expressive songs and movements associated with pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf, or harvest and fruit-gathering songs in agricultural societies.
When we examine such folk arts, we find them often connected to sacred beliefs, important traditions, or sources of livelihood. These arts hold a high place in the hearts of their performers, who take pride in presenting them with precision, dedication, and spiritual energy. Performers often reach ecstatic states during these performances, especially in live settings where a responsive audience enhances the experience. In many cases, the audience is inspired to participate voluntarily, drawn in by the shared emotional and spiritual atmosphere.
This spiritual connection between performer and audience is what many folk art festivals, sponsored by cultural organizations and governments have relied on to achieve their goals. These festivals aim to build bridges of harmony and understanding among communities and nations represented by participating folk groups. Over time, such gatherings have proven successful in easing tensions between peoples through the emotional appeal and heartfelt practices of traditional arts.
Over more than a quarter of a century, these arts—rich in authenticity and diversity—have shown their ability to reach the deepest parts of human emotion. They break down barriers and foster a shared sense of humanity among the world’s peoples. Even in a world troubled by wars and hostilities fueled by greed and power struggles, it is still possible to create harmony and resonance among peoples through these arts.
For instance, the Arabian Gulf region has embraced many African art forms such as Liwa and Tanbura, introduced by African communities during the era of slavery. Though unfamiliar at first, these forms were eventually recognized, adapted, and integrated into local culture. Over time, they became part of the region’s national heritage and cultural identity. This also applies to artistic influences from India and Persia, which blended with local musical traditions and rhythms to form new cultural expressions.
This emotional impact highlights the importance of folk arts as a unifying force among humanity.
To conclude, and in addition to what Abdullah Khalifa wrote about harmony among the peoples of the Earth, it is important to emphasize that folk arts also serve as a means of intergenerational communication. Elders pass on knowledge and skills to the youth, preserving cultural heritage and collective memory. One of the most distinctive features of folk arts is their deep connection to rituals and special occasions—whether religious, seasonal, or social—manifested in celebrations and festivals.
In many societies, folk arts are valued not only as part of cultural heritage but also as an effective tool for expressing social and political issues. For this reason, folk arts are considered a form of soft power that strengthens national identity and opens channels of communication among different cultures and peoples.
Read – Art: Between Emotion and Form
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Souad Khalil is a Libyan writer, poet, and translator. She has been writing on culture, literature and other general topics.
