Kulning

Kulning, or herding calls (sometimes called kölning, kaukning) are a domestic Scandinavian song form, probably used for herding livestock and scaring away predators (wolves, bears, etc.), too. The song form has (probably always) been performed by women. There is some speculation that it was one of the first ways to tame animals in herds (see domestication) in the Scandinavian and Ural regions, with pre-historic origins. The knowledge about it today orginates, however, from regions near mid Fennoscandia.

The song has a high-pitched vocal technique, i.e. loudly call or scream, so that it can be heard or be used to communicate over long distances. It has a fascinating and haunting tone, oftenconveying a feeling of sadness.

In comparison with other songs, e.g. joik, there is no evidence that this genre have been used in religious rituals or likewise. It has been used in stock-raising under medivæl times.

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