SYMBOLIC FUNCTIONS OF THE BELARUSIAN DUDA (BAGPIPE) IN NARRATIVES OF MODERN URBAN BAGPIPERS

Alena Leshkevich

doi:10.23858/ethp.2025.46.4035

Published: 2025-12-23

Vol. 46 (2025)

SYMBOLIC FUNCTIONS OF THE BELARUSIAN DUDA (BAGPIPE) IN NARRATIVES OF MODERN URBAN BAGPIPERS

Alena Leshkevich

Ethnologia Polona

Section: Main topic of the issue

https://doi.org/10.23858/ethp.2025.46.4035

Abstract

This article analyses the symbolic functions of the Belarusian bagpipe in the narratives of modern urban bagpipers and attempts to periodise of the revival of the instrument, that is connected with those functions. In the narratives of bagpipers in mass media, social media and private conversations, some common motifs concerning their musical instrument are observed. I call them symbolic functions to separate them from the practical function of the bagpipe – to play music. The modern urban tradition of playing the duda (bagpipe) has only an indirect continuity with village musicians. Since the 1970s, the bagpipe tradition has been revitalised. Different symbolic functions of the Belarusian bagpipe were relevant at various stages of its revival. This article analyses the following symbolic functions: the bagpipe as a national symbol, as an artefact, as another art project, as an object of research, as an instrument for entertainment and for political protest, as well as an object of emotional attachment.

Keywords:

Belarus, bagpipe, duda, traditional music revival

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Leshkevich, A. (2025). SYMBOLIC FUNCTIONS OF THE BELARUSIAN DUDA (BAGPIPE) IN NARRATIVES OF MODERN URBAN BAGPIPERS. Ethnologia Polona, 46. https://doi.org/10.23858/ethp.2025.46.4035

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