NNA - Riyadh, June 29, 2024, SPA –FANA: Camels have been a cornerstone of life in the Arabian Peninsula for millennia. They are not just beasts of burden, but symbols of wealth, generosity, and travel. Over time, they became deeply woven into the region's heritage.
This deep connection gave rise to a beautiful folk art called "Alheda'a", passed down through generations across Arabian societies. It is an oral tradition whereby herders use a combination of sounds, gestures, and sometimes musical instruments to communicate with their camels. Inspired by poetry, these rhythmic expressions form a unique vocabulary the camels understand.
Herders use Alheda'a to guide their herds through the desert, find pastures for grazing, and prepare them for watering, milking, and riding. It also serves as a critical warning system, allowing for swift assembly in case of sandstorms. Historical accounts credit Mudar bin Nizar with having invented Alheda'a.
After a fall from his camel, he kept weeping: "Waidah! Waidah!" (Oh my hand!). The camels, captivated by his voice, started moving. This sparked the tradition of using vocal cues to guide camels.
Early Alheda'a mimicked natural camel sounds, with herders urging their animals with sounds like "heh", "doh", and "dah". These vocalizations, along with "Rajaz" (short, improvised poems), are still used today, though their use varies depending on the environment. Over time, Alheda'a evolved into a more poetic form with distinct styles and vocabular.
