String bands are a staple of musical life in Biak, a small but influential island in Cenderawasih Bay off the north coast of Papua. In informal gatherings or yorbo, Biakers gather with guitars (often homemade), ukuleles (uke or juk) and a two string bass (stembas) to sing in sweet harmony - songs vary from gospel to love songs to meditations on family and Biak identity. Yorbo often congeals around big social events like bride price rituals (mas kawin), big government festivals, and yospan dance contests. Here, a group of amateur musicians have gathered to play for tiga malam, a Biak tradition where the family of a recently deceased community member grieve and receive visitors throughout the night. It's common practice to play music all night long to soothe the spirits of those grieving and bring some lightness in times of mourning.

Hear and learn more about yorbo, musical solace, and the world of Papuan string band music at the new Aural Archipelago post here: http://www.auralarchipelago.com/aural...