Dabu Axie Song in Biru County, Nagqu

The Dabu Axie Song (达布阿谐), also known as Axie (阿谐), is a traditional folk dance and song form originating from Biru County (比如县), Nagqu (那曲), Tibet. This art form is rooted in the “Dabu Aga” labor process, a traditional technique used in Tibetan construction, and has been a vital part of the community for nearly a century. It was officially recognized as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008.

  • Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Declared Area: Biru County, Nagqu, Tibet

  • Approved Date: June 7, 2008

  • Heritage ID: III-84

Historical Origins

The Birth of Axie in Biru County

The Dabu Axie Song originated in the collective labor activities of the Biru County (比如县) community in Nagqu (那曲), Tibet. It dates back to the 1920s, during the construction of Zhude Monastery (珠德寺), where the 8th Dabu Bai Ma Bai Zan (第八世达布白玛白赞) organized the creation of more than thirty normative Axie works. This form of dance and song was developed to accompany the “Dabu Aga” (屋顶夯土工序), a traditional method used in Tibetan construction to compact the roof by beating the earth. The workers would sing and dance in rhythm with the action, improving the efficiency of their labor. Over time, this practice developed into a more structured and performance-oriented art form.

Artistic Features

Characteristics of the Dabu Axie Song Performance

The Dabu Axie Song features the following key artistic elements:

  • Collective Performance: The dance is performed as a group, with participants holding tools used for compacting earth and singing while they work.

  • Rhythmic Music: The rhythm of the music corresponds to the pace of the labor, and the lyrics often reflect scenes from everyday life and the wisdom derived from labor.

  • Labor Movements: The dance incorporates traditional labor movements such as the rhythmic steps of the Dabu Aga (屋顶夯土工序) and stepping movements, resulting in a strong and dynamic physical expression.

  • Group Size: The number of performers can vary, typically ranging from a dozen to several dozen participants, depending on the size of the laboring group.

Cultural Value

The Cultural Significance of Axie

The Dabu Axie Song is rich in cultural meaning, serving as both an artistic performance and a cultural archive:

  • Preserving Traditional Techniques: The dance is an oral tradition that records the process and tools used in traditional Tibetan building techniques.

  • Folk Songs and Proverbs: It has preserved numerous folk songs and proverbs that reflect the agricultural and pastoral life of Tibet.

  • Community Spirit: The collective nature of the performance strengthens community cohesion and collective consciousness, showcasing the importance of unity in Tibetan culture.

  • Survival Wisdom: The dance artistically reflects the survival wisdom of the Tibetan people who live in the harsh highland environment.

Protection of Intangible Heritage

Protection Measures for Dabu Axie Song

The Dabu Axie Song was officially included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008. As part of the effort to preserve this vital aspect of Tibetan culture, several measures have been implemented:

  • Field Surveys: Systematic field surveys to document and archive the practice using audiovisual and written materials.

  • Support for Inheritors: Providing support for representative inheritors to carry out teaching and preservation activities.

  • Cultural Transmission: Promoting the live transmission of the dance through cultural festivals and sports events.

  • Innovative Development: Encouraging innovative adaptations of the performance using modern stage arts to ensure the dance remains relevant in contemporary contexts.

Contemporary Inheritance

The Ongoing Preservation of Dabu Axie Song

As of 2024, significant progress has been made in the protection and inheritance of the Dabu Axie Song:

  • Training Bases: A dedicated training base has been established in the Nagqu region to cultivate young inheritors.

  • National Tours: Traditional Axie songs have been adapted into large-scale stage performances and are being toured nationwide.

  • Representation at National Events: The Dabu Axie Song was featured as a performance event at the 5th National Ethnic Traditional Sports Games (第五届全国少数民族传统体育运动会).

  • Digital Preservation: 50% of the classic Axie songs have been recorded as part of a digital preservation project, ensuring future generations have access to this cultural treasure.