Guoerzi Dance in Burang County, Ngari

Guoerzi (果尔孜) is a traditional Tibetan dance that originates from Burang County (普兰县) in Ngari (阿里), a region in Tibet. With a history of over 1,300 years, it is a performance that commemorates the ancient Tibetan soldiers’ victories in battle. The dance is often referred to as “Bai” (百) or “Bai Xie” (百谐) in the western Tibet region. Guoerzi is performed in a stylized format that combines singing, drumming, and simple body movements, such as spinning or changing formations.

It is primarily performed at Siedrakar Monastery (西德拉德寺) during important annual religious ceremonies, especially during the Tsiji Festival (次杰节), where it is a highlight of the celebration.

  • Heritage Level: National

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Heritage ID: III-106

  • Approved Date: May 23, 2011

  • Declared Area: Ngari Region, Tibet Autonomous Region

  • Protection Unit: Ngari District Folk Art Museum (阿里地区群众艺术馆)

Historical Origins

Origins of Guoerzi

Guoerzi dates back to the reign of Pangchuo Wangbu (平措旺布), during a time when the surrounding tribes were often at war. In The Legend of Ali (《传奇阿里》) by Gugge Tsangchen Jeb (古格·次仁杰布), it is recorded that:

“There is a local legend that anyone traveling by horse from the north of Peacock River (孔雀河) to Kejia Temple (科加寺) must dismount before reaching Siedrakar Castle (西德喀尔) or else their long spear would sound, and the person would meet their death. Hence, no one dared to pass without fear.”

This story commemorates a victory in battle and honors the bravery of tribal leaders and warriors. To celebrate their victory and offer thanks to the protective gods, the Guoerzi dance was created. It is performed during the Tsiji Festival, an annual grand ceremony at Siedrakar Monastery, which marks the founding of the monastery.

Dance Features

Performance Format

Every year, on the eighth and ninth days of the second lunar month (藏历二月下弦月), Guoerzi is performed as part of the Tsiji Festival (次杰节) in Burang County.

  • Minor Tsiji (小“次杰”) involves a rehearsal with only around 30-40 audience members, mainly the dancers’ families.

  • Major Tsiji (大“次杰”) is the formal performance attended by more than 300 people and consists of 20 sections, with Guoerzi being the 11th segment.

The dance is divided into four main parts:

  1. Opening: The rhythm starts slow with drum accompaniment.

  2. Slow Song and Dance: The lyrics celebrate the sun, moon, stars, eagles, and soldiers.

  3. Fast Song and Dance: The lyrics describe the origins and uses of the soldiers’ armor, shields, and swords, showcasing and praising weaponry.

  4. Finale: A fast-paced and agile dance praising soldiers, with lively, dynamic movements.

Dance Characteristics

The dance begins with a distinctive 2/4 beat, creating a lively, energetic atmosphere. The movements are forceful and celebratory, reflecting the rural lifestyle of the Burang people, who engage in both farming and herding. The dance incorporates steps like “three steps and one lift” and “three forward kicks with a stomp,” with hand gestures such as “open hands in front” and “swinging hands forward and backward.” These movements are lively and graceful.

Guoerzi is a rare fusion of agricultural and pastoral influences, a unique style in Tibet. The steps and rhythm reflect the harmony of these two lifestyles and the beauty of the region’s customs.

Dance Props

In the early years, Guoerzi was performed as part of a religious ceremony at Siedrakar Monastery, serving as a type of tribute dance. Performers were typically chosen from the ten households of the local Sied Tribe, with one male dancer from each household. The number of dancers ranged from nine to thirteen, with no specific age requirement.

The Siedrakar Monastery performance is accompanied by two main instruments:

  1. Dangjiang Drum: A double-sided cowhide drum, played by a dancer moving along the perimeter of the performance space.

  2. Dama Drum: A single-sided double drum played in a small band, usually three to six musicians. The drums set the rhythm, accompanying the songs and dances.

The dancers wear armor, helmets, and hold swords and shields, reflecting the martial nature of the dance. This is symbolic of the soldiers from ancient Tibetan times.

Dance Meaning

Guoerzi is more than just a dance; it’s a ritual that connects to religious ceremonies, especially worshiping the local protective deities. The dance is used to honor the gods, narrate the history of the monastery’s founding, praise nature, celebrate happy lives, and pray for good weather in the coming year. It is an integral part of the Tsiji Festival.

The Guoerzi dance is a symbol of the deep spiritual and cultural connection the Burang people have with their deities, land, and community.

Inheritance and Protection

Cultural Value

Guoerzi is a vital part of Burang‘s cultural heritage. It embodies the region’s solemn and ancient traditions, serving as a cultural bridge between history, religion, and social customs. The dance, with its combination of music, singing, and choreography, provides a unique artistic experience, with slow, melodic tunes and a solemn, dignified atmosphere. It reflects the deep historical and cultural identity of Tibet and its people.

Key Inheritors

Dan Cheng Yixi (旦成益西), a Tibetan man born in 1959, is the representative inheritor of Guoerzi. He has played a crucial role in preserving and passing on this cultural tradition.

Protection Measures

To protect and preserve Guoerzi, the local government and cultural departments have implemented various measures. In 2010, Guoerzi was added to the third batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage projects, and in November 2019, the Ngari District Folk Art Museum was designated as the official protection unit for the project.

In October 2023, the museum received its assessment as a qualified protection unit, ensuring the continued safeguarding of this cultural treasure.

Social Impact

Artistic Influence

Guoerzi is not only an important ritual dance but also a representation of Tibet’s rich cultural history. It continues to be performed annually during the Tsiji Festival and has increasingly become a part of various exhibitions and celebrations, attracting a growing audience. The dance is particularly significant for its portrayal of ancient Tibetan military life and its connection to local deities.

Important Performances

One of the major performances occurred during the Tsiji Festival in 2019, where the Guoerzi dance was showcased at Siedrakar Monastery in Burang County, Ngari. This performance continues to celebrate the vibrant culture and spiritual life of the region.