Shina Vorgil

A Svanetian Folk Song

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In Georgia, Svaneti is a remote region in the Caucuses Mountains with a rich history and unique folkloric traditions. Svan is it's own unique language within Georgia, and few speakers remain today. Svaneti and Svanetian people are regarded by many Georgians as the most original, hardcore, badass of all Georgians because their intensely challenging way of lives in the high mountains has made them incredibly tough. They are also more traditional, as the deep remoteness of many Svanetian villages has meant minimal access to the outside world and slower modernization post Soviet collapse. In Svaneti and across Georgia, most people know some version of this song to sing and will sing along with it. It's traditionally sung and danced at Supras and other celebrations. Watch this ethnographic video from the 1950's to be amazed by traditional Svan dancing! Svanetian music is characterized by its more circular, heavier sounds which match it's sturdy mountain weathered people. Many Svan songs are accompanied by simple, very accessible circle dances. Reminder that 'V' in Georgian and Svan has a soft consonant pronunciation, sounding between a V and a U, as you can hear in this video.