Work Song for Stitching and Repairing Fabric
This is a traditional women’s work song called haryōt (derived from the command harya [“Take down the sail!”]). Haryōt songs were traditionally sung when the ocean was calm enough to permit travel (Ar. al-futūḥ, beginning in December and lasting four to five months). At this time, men living abroad were expected to return to al-Mahra, and haryōt songs express the longing of their wives who have abided in their absence. During al-futūḥ, Mahri women would sing haryōt songs while stitching together patches of fabric (Mhr. ḳōfā) for use as tent material (Mhr. ḫeyder) or sewing floor mats (Mhr. nźōf).
| Poem | Translation |
|---|---|
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |
| śillek be-mḥammed śillek | I sing in the name of Muhammad, I sing |
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |
| ww-ṭrekkek be-lḥawnet | I’m singing with a melody |
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |
| w-śetwaḳek l-ġalḳath | I’ve missed seeing him |
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |
| we-śwēḳeh bī ṭawnet | My desire for him pierces me |
| yā haryā bōh | Let down your sails |