Angga- Inheritor of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance in Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, Tibet

Angga (昂嘎), born in 1932 in Mozhugongka County (墨竹工卡县), Tibet, is a prominent Tibetan folk dancer and an important figure in the preservation of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance (普堆巴宣舞), a traditional form of Tibetan dance. She is recognized as one of the representative inheritors of this art form and was included in the second batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产) in 2006. Angga’s life-long dedication to preserving and passing down this cultural treasure has earned her a prominent place in Tibetan cultural history.

Early Life and Artistic Journey

From a young age, Angga was deeply involved in folk dances and songs that are integral to Tibetan culture. Her interest in the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance began early, and she studied under several revered traditional artists, including Jueguo (觉果), Qiangzhu (强珠), and Sangdan (桑丹), who were well-known in their respective communities for their expertise in Tibetan dance and music. Her style of performance reflects the best elements of Xuanwu dance from different regions of Tibet, blending religious, ceremonial, and folk elements into graceful and soothing movements.

Reviving Puduiba Xuanwu Dance

In 2005, Angga embarked on the restoration of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance, which had fallen into disuse for many years. Despite her advanced age and frailty, she passionately took on the task of reviving this ancient tradition. Not only did she perform the dance, but she also passed on the sacred lyrics and chants associated with it, ensuring that the next generation would have the knowledge to continue the tradition.

Angga’s revival of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance marked a significant milestone in the cultural preservation efforts in Tibet. Her commitment to this art form helped to bring back a cultural expression that might have otherwise been lost to time.

Cultural Contributions and Achievements

In addition to her work with the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance, Angga has made significant contributions to Tibetan culture in various ways. She played a key role in organizing the intangible cultural heritage application for Yushu Song and Dance and the Jianamani Stone Scripture City (嘉那玛尼石经城), as well as compiling various Tibetan folklore materials. Her work led to the publication of several books, including “Yushu Folk Proverbs” (玉树民间格言谚语) and “Yushu Folk Stories” (玉树民间故事), along with a “Yushu” (玉树) picture album, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Following the devastating Yushu earthquake in 2010, Angga was instrumental in organizing a gratitude opera and post-disaster reconstruction celebrations. Her efforts were pivotal in the formation of the Yushu Cultural Federation (玉树州文化联合会), which aimed to revitalize the cultural spirit of the region in the aftermath of the disaster.

Legacy and Recognition

Angga’s life and work are a testament to the power of cultural preservation and the impact of one individual’s efforts to safeguard her community’s heritage. As a cultural ambassador for Puduiba Xuanwu Dance, her tireless efforts to revive and teach this traditional art form have ensured that it remains a living tradition in Tibet. Through her work, she has not only preserved a unique aspect of Tibetan folk culture but also inspired future generations to take an active role in the preservation of their cultural heritage.

In recognition of her contributions, Angga was honored as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor in 2006, securing her place as a key figure in the cultural landscape of Tibet.