Onges Dance (Andaman)

Understand

Where Onges Dance (Andaman) comes from

The Onge dance is the ceremonial-dance of the Onge people (one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands, settled on the Little Andaman). The Onge are one of the most ancient and isolated communities of the world, with their presence on the islands dating at least 30,000 years. The dance is performed at the community gatherings of the Onge and is associated with the ceremonial life of the community. The form is one of the documented regional traditions of the Andaman Islands and is preserved as part of the Andamanese cultural heritage.

How it's practiced

The Onge dance is performed by the men and women of the Onge community in a circle at the central courtyard of the village or at the open ground of the festival. The men and women perform in coordinated steps to the song of the Onge cycle and to the rhythm of the small regional instruments of the Onge tradition. The dance is gentle, with the small stepping rhythm of the Onge community. Costume is the traditional Onge dress — the leaf and the body-paint of the community. Performances are at the central courtyard of the village.