Overview

Tarirai is an accompaniment for igal, distinguished by its unique rhythmic character and a steady, moderate tempo.

Story and movement

The name is linked in oral tradition to a person gathering shellfish at sea who suddenly saw a taliaga, described as a snake-like sea animal. Startled, the person lifted a foot; this raised-foot action became part of the dance vocabulary associated with Tarirai.

What still needs confirmation

The precise occasions, fuller origin history, associated stories and rhythm notation remain to be documented.

Source: Interview by Ayunee with Mahammod Bongsu, founder of Sulimbag Jawtee.