Great traditions and little traditions somali poetry

[Midas]

I was reading about Robert redfields concept of great traditions and little traditions here's a good summary of it

My question is where do you guys think somali poetry would fit into this since it has elements of both.

 

[Idilinaa]

I think it would fit into both. It's both oral and written, it has standard modern form and nonstandarized styles. It has a urban/literate tradition and a rural tradition. It's seen a national institution and high arts where they debate philisophical questions and religion. It's also used local costums and folk culture, you can look at publications and collections by Osman Kenadiid and Muse Galaal for this.


Some Somali literature historians have divided Somali poetry tradition into eras.

The Golden Era: 18th century and before. (Basically before the colonial incursions)

Andrewjewseki said that there exists private manuscripts from this era, so hopefully we might know more if we are able to collect and study them.

The Era of Fire and Embers: 19th century

The Era of Lute: Early 20th century -1967

The New Era: 1967- present day