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Liu Yixing^1*  & Chow Ow Wei^{2   
1}Music Department, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
²Music Department, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.13
[Article History: Received: 31 December 2023. Revised: 20 February 2024. Accepted: 24 February 2024. Published: 24 February 2024]}

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 Abstract

This article examines the dynamics of the Feitao ritual, a traditional practice of the Maonan ethnic minority, within the broader context of globalization and heritagization in China. It addresses the challenge of preserving the cultural identity and memory of ethnic minorities amidst economic development imperatives, a dilemma common to many late-developing countries. By focusing on transforming the Feitao ritual from a communal practice to a performative spectacle, this study unravels the intricate process of heritage ecology within minority rituals. Utilizing a combination of ethnological fieldwork and interviews, this article explores the perceptions and approaches toward the post-heritagization of the ritual among the Maonan community members and policymakers. It also emphasizes on the evolution of the ritual into a significant tourist attraction, showcasing the performative transformation of religious practices by an ethnic minority in China. The central argument of this article is that this ritual is formed in ecological interactions; it also symbolizes a self-defense for the rights and a pursuit of recognition for a minority group. It has been a vital medium for the Maonan people to construct and uphold a positive self-perception. This study endorses a faith-aware and community memory-focused approach to preserve the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities. The authors contend that this approach is essential to safeguard the cultural memory and identity of minorities in developing countries like China against the homogenizing forces brought by globalization in China.

Keywords: Maonan minority group, Feitao ritual, heritage, ecology, globalization.

Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action, Life on Land

Citation: Liu Y., & Chow O.W. (2024). Preserving the Feitao Ritual in an Era of Globalization: The Heritage Ecology of Maonan Ethnic Minority in Modern China. Rupkatha Journal 16:1. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.13 

Trina Bose
Assistant Professor: Brainware University.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.12
[Article History: Received: 15 December 2023. Revised: 19 February 2024. Accepted: 20 February 2024. Published: 24 February 2024]}

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Abstract

Capitalistic disruptions on the face of the earth and the consequent climatic changes appear as serious global threats in the contemporary era caused by uncontrolled materialistic quests. Helon Habila’s Oil on Water depicts the saga of the perpetual predicament of the dehumanized Indigenous people in Nigeria, who inhabit a land of contaminated water, soil, air, and food induced by inconsiderate oil mining of the British oil companies which colonize and hegemonize both the human and the non-human world. Habila juxtaposes an unyielding decolonizing movement through the revolt of the Indigenous people against the oil extracting companies for eco-justice, which causes decay and death in the vulnerable Indigenous communities. The human-nature dichotomy triggered by capitalism translates into the massive destruction of the livelihood of the poor Indigenous people who rely on natural resources for survival and are not responsible for the detrimental environmental metamorphoses leading to their unemployment and displacements. Using the theoretical framework of eco-Marxism, this study examines the conflict between the commodification of nature and indigenous environmental justice in the Niger Delta. It investigates the politics of oil extraction and how it impacts the people of the region.

Keywords: Climatic changes, eco-justice, Indigenous people, oil mining, Niger Delta.

Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action, Life on Land

Citation: Bose, T. (2024). The Capitalocene Versus Indigenous Eco-justice in Helon Habila Oil on Water. Rupkatha Journal 16:1. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.12 

Damilare Ogunmekan^1* , Margaret Akpevweoghene Efurhievwe² & Igue Philo Okpeki^3
1Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, Nigeria. Corresponding author.
²Department of Music, Delta State University, Nigeria. efurhievwema@delsu.edu.ng
³Department of Music, Delta State University, Nigeria. okpekiphilo@gmail.com

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.10
[Article History: Received: 31 December 2023. Revised: 19 February 2024. Accepted: 20 February 2024. Published: 21 February 2024]}

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Abstract

The trajectory of different nations of the world has recently been fixated on climate actions and sustainability. The African continent has joined the train too, as countries begin to take strides toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable society and climate action. Thus, it becomes necessary to inquire about the viability of a combination of the traditional beliefs and cultural ethos with ecological projects, in achieving these sustainable development goals. Could the already established indigenous systems in Africa be of practical contribution to the protection of biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and other climate actions? Could these already institutionalised and ethnographic programmes engender inclusive climate activity? Nigeria boasts of diverse ecological and biocentric indigenous beliefs, cultures and practices. One of such is the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove. This grove is a concentration of flora and fauna diversity, which has been preserved for years and has also been rooted in spiritual and physical beliefs. Some of the fauna species found in this grove are the African Civet, African giant Snail, and African giant Rat, among others which include Aves. Some flora species include African teak, Camwood, Palm tree, bamboo, and a host of others. Also, music has played a major role in the advocacy for conservation and environmental protection. Singing some songs at the Osun-Osogbo grove and during the Osun-Osogbo festival ensures orientation, sensitisation and promotion of eco-friendly habits, thereby serving ecomusicological purposes. This study therefore focuses on the Osun-Osogbo grove and indigenous values to present a possible sustainable society. Thus, as a response to climate change, this paper draws on these values and the Osun-Osogbo grove to propose conservationism, and artificial cultivation of biodiversity for climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience, using indigenous methods.

Keywords: biodiversity, climate change, great green wall, conservationism, ecomusicology.

Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action, Life on Land

Citation: Ogunmekan, D., Efurhievwe, M.A. & Okpeki, I.P. (2024). Biodiversity, Ecomusicology and Fostered Nominal Ecology. Rupkatha Journal 16:1. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.10 

Saroj GC^1*   & Bhupesh Joshi^{2     
1}Assistant Professor, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. *Corresponding author.
²Lecturer, Durga Laxmi Multiple Campus, Far-western University, Mahendranagar, Nepal.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.09
[Article History: Received: 30 December 2023. Revised: 14 February 2024. Accepted: 15 February 2024. Published: 19 February 2024]}

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Abstract

Deuda songs, originating from the mid-and far-western regions of Nepal, represent a rich musical folk genre deeply rooted in the culture and lifestyle of the performing communities. This paper explores the Deuda songs as potential environment-oriented texts, aiming to unravel the environmental concerns and nature-centric devotion encapsulated within these melodies. By employing the lenses of cultural ecology and ecocritical perspective, this analysis sheds light on the intricate relationship between these folk songs and the natural world. Examining the Deuda songs reveals a profound emphasis on the co-existence and interdependence of human society and nature. The study finds that the lyrical content critiques anthropocentric activities and demonstrates a heightened ecological consciousness among the performers. These findings underscore the critical role played by the Deuda songs in fostering environmental awareness and their potential as powerful tools for environmental advocacy. Furthermore, this paper advocates for additional research to uncover the broader significance of the Deuda songs as integral components of the region’s cultural heritage. It also proposes their incorporation into educational and environmental policies to enhance ecological consciousness on a wider scale. Recognizing the educational potential of the Deuda songs, this study encourages their inclusion in curricula to promote a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate connection between culture, nature, and sustainable living. Overall, the exploration of the Deuda songs serves as a gateway to a deeper understanding of environmental concerns within the cultural fabric of the mid-and far-western regions of Nepal.

Keywords: Deuda songs, ecology, folklore, environmental narratives, ecological advocacy

Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action, Life on Land

Citation: G.C., S. & Joshi, B. (2024). Nature’s Notes: Analyzing the Environmental Advocacy in the Deuda Songs of Nepal. Rupkatha Journal 16:1. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.09