Nubia
The area to the south of Kom Ombo until the Sisal Mountains in the south of the Nile valley is basically known as Nubia, Nubia is divided into two parts:
Upper Nubia which is part of Sudan now, and lower Nubia which the most southern part of Egypt and ends up in to Wadi Halfa
Folk heritage of Nubia:
Because of it s long cultural history, the folk heritage of Nubia is rich, varied and wonderfully original. It is has distinctive features since its the result of there mingled groups that make up the Nubian people, the Kenzi who speak the Matouki language and the Fadija who speak their own language, and the tribe of Aliqat who moved to Nubia from the Sinai on the 18th century.
Nubian fold heritage naturally includes building, furniture m arts, crafts , jewelry and costumes
Houses:
The Nubian houses are built of stone, clay and sand; the roofs are commonly built of Jareed and grain stalks, the roofs of the well- to –do are arched domes of clay bricks. The flowers are covered with clean sand and house hold utensils for everyday use hang from the ceiling.
The walls of the house especially the façade are decorated with ornaments and paintings of flags, flowers birds and animals. Crockery is often used for wall decorations; a plate usually occupies the centre of the facade.
A Nubian house is usually composed of:
- The entrance hall opens court.
- Domed bedrooms
- The store
- The kitchen and the toilet
Amulets, charms, talismans
Nubian use amulets, Charms and talismans for good luck and protection form the evil eye; some are painted on walls on form of scorpions, eyes or triangles.
Some are made of breaded beads, shells or hair which hang on he post of the bed, or hang thickly form the ceiling. Baskets made of palm branches and decorated with white shells hanging from the ceiling may have the same function.
Dancing:
Nubian folk dancing is practiced in groups by women and men of all ages. A number of folk dances are performed in seasons of sowing and harvest, in prayer for prosperity and more crops.
Marriage and birth:
In Nubia marriage is usually the responsibility of the parts and also uncles shared the responsibility. Because kinship in Nubia is both patriarchal and matriarchal.
The most common marriage is between cousins and sometimes is obligatory. The pride dowry at that case is much lower than what an outsider would have to pay. The amount varies in different tribes. Presents and money gifts are given to both families to help with expenses which usually very high for wedding.
Since the Nile plays a very important rule in Nubian culture, the couple have to go down to the river an on their wedding night and wash into water to ensure prosperity good health and numerous progeny.
When a male child is born, the birth is celebrated on the seventh day with the slaughter of sheep or more. Recital of Quran and the boy is given a name. But when the child is a female they only invite close friends and go to the Nile bank where the baby is named.
Nubian art and its symbols:
Nubian art reflects Nubian culture many of it symbols and motives are significant experiencing of folk traditions and supper stations, this can be easily seen in tattoos and wall painting that decorate the façade and entrances halls of many Nubian houses, these symbols recur in the designs of bead works and many kind of baskets, mate ..etc
- Sward in the Nubian culture stands for courage and heroic achievements .
- Stars and crescent are Islamic symbols of good fortune.
- The black cat, crows and owls carry bad omens
- Roses and flowers in general stands for friendship and love
-The apple stands for feminine attraction
- Prayer rug stands for purity and chastity
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