less aggression. The latter, called ra's el assaya (dance of the stick) is incorporated into cabaret or Raqs sharqi performances. The stick used for this dance is generally more lightweight and hooked at one end like a cane. It is often embellished with metallic-coloured foil or sequins. The costume is a simple baladi dress. Performances include balancing the cane on the head, hip or shoulder. Music Music in tahtib features the tabl (bass drum) and mizmar (folk oboe). The right hand uses a heavier stick with a hooked head to beat out the dum (the deep sound from striking the center of the drum) which drive the heartbeat of the rhythm, while the left hand uses a light twig as a switch to produce rapid-fire staccato "taks" (the higher sound from striking the edge of the drum). Modern tahtib Modern tahtib is an attempt to re-explore the sources of tahtib as a fighting art, and to enrich them as a martial practice by codifying the techniques and teaching them structurally. As in traditional tahtib, the main target is the opponent's head, as it is considered the most fragile and vulnerable part of the body. Consequently, techniques revolve around protecting one's own head while reaching the head of the opponent. Victory can be attained either by a single clean touch to the head, or three touches to the body. Unlike its traditional counterpart, modern tahtib allows both women and men to practice in mixed groups. See also Angampora Banshay Bataireacht Bōjutsu Gatka Jūkendō Kalaripayattu Kendo Kenjutsu Krabi–krabong Kuttu Varisai Mardani khel Silambam Silambam Asia Stick dance (African-American) Thang-ta Varma kalai World Silambam Association References Further reading Beni Hasan (with plates) by Percy Newberry, et al. Beni Hasan - Archaeowiki.org N. de G. Davies's "Rock Tombs of El Amarna", in openlibrary.org Stick-fighting African martial arts Asian martial arts Sport in Egypt Sports originating in Egypt Egyptian dances Egyptian culture