Verse Improvisation as Symbol and Ritual Process in Basque Culture

Abstract

In this investigation we want to examine the paradox of bertsolari championship. We claim that, even if in social terms the event itself of the championship corresponds to the competitive scheme of «joko», its cultural meaning takes place in the domain of non- competitive playful «jolas»-along the axes of collective authorship and communal culture. Even if at the surface it is «joko» we situate the championship in the realm of deep play. To the extent that play in culture is expressive of a community´s interpretation of life and the world, the symbolic dimension of the championship becomes fodder for cultural interpretation. The ritualized performance of the championship becomes ultimately a key symbol of Basque culture.