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Manohra Costume

Manohra Costume

These are pieces of a Manohra (also shortened to nora) folk dance costume. Nora is a traditional folk-dance from Southern Thailand. While it can be used in religious practices, it is also a form of popular entertainment. It is named after Manohra, a beautiful bird-like celestial nymph in Thai folklore. To mimic Manohra’s half-bird appearance, dancers wear vibrant attire comprising of headdresses, elaborate crowns, beaded accessories, waist-bound bird-like wings, decorative scarves, and flowing swan tails. They also wear long metallic fingernails that gracefully extend from their fingertips.

Nora dance is characterized by graceful movements, intricate hand gestures, and vibrant costumes. A traditional nora cast only includes three dancers, who swap in and out of several roles as needed. These dancers often portray roles of the opposite sex to cover all the needed characters. Traditionally dancers were only male, but today they can be both men and women.

The Manohra folk dance is not only a form of artistic and religious expression, but also a way to preserve and showcase Thai cultural heritage. It is performed during special occasions both within Thailand and on international stages. The dance serves as a source of pride and identity for the Thai people, representing their rich mythology, values, and artistic traditions.

Resources

Resource 1

Manohra dance is possibly inspired by the story of Prince Sudhana and Manohra, which is a popular Buddhist tale in Southeast Asian literature. There are dozens of versions of this story, with records in texts from Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, India, Burma, and of course Thailand.

The basic premise is that Sudhana, a prince, and Manohra, a beautiful girl from a spirit realm, fall in love. However, to be together they must overcome various obstacles, most of which are brought on by the royal court, which believes Manohra is bad luck. This story is recounted in nora through a combination of orchestra, song, and dance.

Over time, the Manohra folk dance has evolved and incorporated influences from various regions and dance styles, adding new elements while retaining its essence. It continues to captivate audiences with its beauty, storytelling, and the skillful execution of intricate dance movements that bring the legend of Manohra to life.

Resource 2

Mystical Nora- Asia Featured

This video shows some examples of Nora dancing, and incorporates interviews with dancers and teachers to learn more about the dance’s meaning and history.

Resource 3

UNESCO Inscription- Manohra Dance

UNESCO inscribed Manohra folk dance on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. (What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?) This recognition ensures the preservation and safeguarding of this traditional dance for future generations. It celebrates the richness and uniqueness of Thai culture, highlighting the importance of nora as a significant part of the country's heritage. The inscription also helps to raise awareness about the dance form globally, attracting tourists who are interested in experiencing and learning about traditional Thai art forms. Additionally, this recognition provides opportunities for local communities involved in nora to showcase their talent and skills, contributing to their cultural identity and promoting community development.

Manohra Costume

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