Saap’er Gaan (Snake Chanting)

The Mystic Music of Snake Charmers

As part of D’LAB 2019’s exploration of indigenous live art forms, the mesmerizing practice of Saap’er Gaan (Snake Chanting) was brought into the biennale space. Performed by traditional sapure (snake charmers), this ancient live art blends hypnotic melodies, rhythmic breath, and intuitive movement to engage both audience and serpent. Using a been (a wind instrument), the performer conjures a trance-like atmosphere where music becomes both performance and ritual. The snake dance, often misunderstood, reflects deep cultural narratives—of devotion, danger, folklore, and healing. At D’LAB, this performance invited reflection on the blurred lines between spectacle, survival, and sacred tradition, echoing the festival’s commitment to amplify marginal yet powerful voices in the live art continuum.