Eyşana Xelef Hemo

Eyşana Xelef Hemo (1956-) grew up in Skênei, a village in Shingal. Loss has defined her life: she married her cousin when he was left utterly orphaned, without a single family member, and to mourn all those she herself had lost, she learned to sing Xerîbî, the traditional Êzîdî songs of grief and condolence. Khalaf's father arranged her marraige to her cousin and the two of them have always lived, to this day, with Khalaf's father. She describes the consistent challenges, including poverty, of her life, but also details various wedding parties, marriage practices, and daily tasks that have sustained her. At times throughout the interview, in addition to referencing songs, she recites traditional folk and fairytales.