Obverse. Photo © Mago Coins
  • 5 Rupees 2018, Seychelles, Moutya Dance
  • 5 Rupees 2018, Seychelles, Moutya Dance
Description

In 2019, Seychelles attempted to register Moutya as an intangible cultural heritage site, but the application was deemed incomplete. Registration finally takes place in 2021. David André, Seychelles' Secretary General for Culture, describes the registration as an achievement, which he believes will enable the cultural element to be passed on to future generations. According to the official UNESCO description, the moutya expresses cultural identity and preserves traditional elements. It is transmitted through imitation, documentation and research.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, denomination below. The metal, purity and weight on both sides.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Seychelles shows a shield, in which a giant tortoise is located on grounds. On the ground there is a coco de mer palm tree. Behind it there is a sea with two islands and a sail ship to be seen. The shield is enthroned by a helmet, on which a white-tailed tropicbird is located above waves. The shield is supported by two white sailfish. Beneath the shield the motto of Seychelles is stated: "Finis Coronat Opus" (Latin for "The End Crowns the Work").

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
FINIS·CORONAT·OPVS
0.5 g 5 RUPEES AU 585

Reverse

Depicts couples dancing moutya featuring female and male dancers move in rhythm to the beat of the single drum.

Moutya or Moutia, is a traditional African dance similar to the Sega, but with often more pronounced suggestive movements. Female and male dancers move in rhythm to the beat of the often single drum made of dried goatskin and lightly heated up by a bonfire prior to the start of the Dance (and regular during the evening). Dancing starts off slowly in time to the beat of the drums, but speeds up and becomes more erotic as the beating becomes faster and faster and faster. The beat and dance are always accompanied by singing, which usually recounts the hardships and joys of everyday life. Until the late 1970s, the Moutya was considered more of a risqué dance and generally shunned.

MOUTYA DANCE
2020

Edge

5 Rupees

Moutya Dance

KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.585
Weight 0.5 g
Diameter 11 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
MDM

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