ANALYSIS OF DIRGE IN THE CITY OF AXUM

Abstract

This abstract explores the Axumite society’s unique expressions of grief or mourning or dirge in Tigray, Ethiopia, distinguishing between the formalized chants of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church and the cultural, secular dirge. While the church’s zema system, established in the 6th century by Saint Yared, offers a structured framework with modes like Ezil, Giez, and Araray, Dirge’s emerges as a powerful form of oral poetry and lamentation. This practice uniquely defiance social norms that advocate emotional restraint, instead promoting raw, uninhibited vocalizations as a cathartic and authentic means of expression, predominantly by women. As a dynamic form of public lament, Elegy transforms personal loos into a collective narrative of suffering, particularly in response to socio- political traumas. It was a cappella nature amplifies unfiltered emotion, setting it apart from other musical forms. Ultimately, through sophisticated poetic device and its improvisational oral tradition, dirge serves not merely as an outlet for despair but as a profound art form that helps mourner’s structure grief, reconstruct reality, and preserve society identity and resilience.