Eskista

A woman in a Habesha kemis performing the eskista in Israel

Eskista (Amharic: እስክስታ) is a traditional Ethiopian cultural dance originated from the Amhara ethnic group. Due to the widespread influence of the Amhara people, the dance is performed in almost every corner of the country. It is enjoyed by men, women, and children. The dance is characterized by rolling and bouncing the shoulders, jilting the chest, and thrusting the neck in various directions. Eskista is typically performed to traditional Ethiopian music, but it is possible to incorporate the style of dance into modern forms of music such as the music played in modern Ethiopian music videos. The complex nature of eskista dancing is what makes it arguably one of the most technical forms of African traditional dance.

There are at least 20 regional varieties of the eskista, all of which have their own historical and unique origins, although most are based on the hard life of the average farmer in the Ethiopian highlands.

Eskista is a common sight at weddings, holiday celebrations, and gatherings, serving as a vibrant expression of joy and communal bonding. Like many traditional African dances, Eskista is often accompanied by the practice of awarding money, known as shilimat (Amharic: ሽለማት), to the best dancer. Spectators typically stick the money onto the dancer's forehead as a sign of admiration and encouragement, adding a festive and interactive element to the performance. This tradition highlights the cultural significance of eskista as both an art form and a means of fostering social connection and celebration.