Snake Charming
About Snake Charming
Many snake charmers descended upon Singapore as one of the earliest immigrant groups. Most of them came from India, specifically the state of Maharashtra. Nowadays, snake charming is a small circle in Singapore, in fact, most of them do not actually “charm” the snakes, but rather “mingle” or “roam” with the snakes, provide photo taking opportunity for tourists.
Snake charmers usually keep their snakes in bamboo baskets as they have tiny holes that allow snakes to breathe even when the lid is shut. In traditional performances, snake charmers make their snakes ‘dance’ to music by blowing the Naskar, a flute made primarily with a coconut shell and bamboo pipe. However, snakes can only perceive low-frequency rumbles and are unable to listen to music. As science progresses, people now believe that the snakes are in fact responding to the movements of the Naskar rather than the music.
Snake charming is often a family trade. Children pick up the basics from their fathers and grandfathers. Originally regarded as healers or perceived to posses certain magic ability, snake charmers also sold medicated oil along the streets of Singapore, such as Cantonment Road and Tanjong Pagar.
In the past, snake charmers removed snakes’ venomous fangs and glands, and even stitched up the mouths of poisonous snakes. With their mouths stitched, these snakes would soon die of starvation. The snake charmers would then acquire new snakes by hunting for them in the wild before training them. However, many snake charmers died due to accidental snakebites.
The trade had its heyday in Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s, when huge crowds would gather for a snake charming performance. Subsequently, as modernization accelerated and the education level of the younger population rose, the number of snake charmers fell rapidly as the demand declines.
Most snake charmers who survived till today have made changes to their performances in order to cater to the ever-evolving psyche of the audience. Many of them charge a nominal fee for photo taking with their snakes. When Mr. Yusof, one of the snake charmers, is invited to perform at events such as block parties and birthday parties, he also incorporates educational elements in his performances.
Snake Charmer 1
Mr. Yusof Ular
Mr. Yusof Ular is a third-generation snake charmer in Singapore. He learnt his trade since he was 6 years old from his father and uncle, who taught him not only how to handle snakes but also how to cater to the preferences of the audiences. Mr. Yusof faced many challenges at the start, including how to engage the older crowd. There were also others who were afraid or have a phobia for snakes.
Snake charming wasn't always what Mr. Yusof wanted to do. He worked as a bus driver for 5 years and took up other odd jobs before he decided to go back to snake charming. He admits that it was not an easy decision. He had to adjust his mindset in order to combat the negative perceptions that some Singaporeans or tourists might have towards snake charmers. Over the years, Mr. Yusof encountered numerous situations where he was called unflattering names and was treated with disrespect. However, he constantly reminds himself that in his job, more often than not, he will only meet the same people once.
Today, Mr. Yusof Ular is often invited to perform at events such as block parties and birthday parties. He acknowledges that he cannot be choosy and fussy over which jobs to take up. He incorporates educational elements in his performances in order to suit his younger audiences, and is today hugely popular among event organizers.
Gallery
An albino python used for snake charming
The snake has been placed in a bamboo basket.
Mr. Yusof Ular is often invited to perform at events such as block parties and birthday parties.
An albino python used for snake charming
Videos
Experiencing Snake Charming
Interview with snake charmer Mr. Yusolf
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Snake Charmer 2
Mr. Muhammad Shakir s/o Pajuludin
Mr. Muhammad Shakir developed a love for snakes since he was young. Following in his uncle’s footsteps , Mr. Shakir started accompanying his uncle to Mount Faber and Sentosa for snake charming assignments at a young age. He never looked back since. In the subsequent 15 years, Mr. Shakir participated in all kinds of engagements, carrying his snakes around to mingle with the public. His list of clients includes Universal Studios Singapore, Formula 1 and Mediacorp. He is now a full-time snake charmer, and is also regularly invited as a performer at block parties in the different constituencies. Mr. Shakir hopes to impart the skills of snake charming to his children in future.