Karma Xuanwu Dance in Zanda County, Ngari

The Karma Xuanwu Dance (札达卡尔玛宣舞) is a traditional Tibetan dance originating from the Ngari region (阿里地区) of Tibet (西藏自治区). This dance dates back to the era of the Guge Kingdom (古格王朝) and was originally part of the royal ceremonial music and dance performed at the Guge Palace (古格王宫). The dance was performed to welcome dignitaries and guests. It was historically popular in the Ngari region as well as Ladakh (拉达克), a region in northern India. The Karma Xuanwu Dance was included in the Fourth National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List on November 11, 2014, under project number III-80. The protection unit for this project is the Ngari Mass Art Museum (阿里地区群众艺术馆).

The dance, which had faded into obscurity following the fall of the Guge Kingdom, was revived through collective folk memory and passed down through family traditions. Today, it continues to be performed in places such as Toling (托林) and Sajang Township (萨让乡) in Zanda County (札达县), with performances typically led by male dancers and accompanied by female dancers. The dance is performed with traditional instruments such as the Aling drum (阿铃鼓), the Guowu six-stringed instrument (果吾六弦琴), and the suona horn (唢呐). The costumes worn by the performers retain features from the Guge period (古格时期).

  • Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Heritage Number: III-80

  • Declared Area: Ngari (阿里地区)

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

  • Approved Date: November 11, 2014

Background

The Karma Xuanwu Dance originated during the Guge Kingdom, which ruled from the 9th to the 17th century in the Ngari region of Tibet. It was performed in royal ceremonies as a welcoming dance for important guests and dignitaries. After the fall of the Guge Kingdom, the dance faded into the folk traditions of the region. Over time, it was revived through collective folk memory, with a number of families in the region, particularly in Zanda County (札达县), passing the dance down through generations.

In 2011, the Zanda County Xuanwu Dance Art Troupe (札达县宣舞艺术团) was established to continue the dance’s legacy. In 2023, after an evaluation, the Ngari Mass Art Museum (阿里地区群众艺术馆) was once again confirmed as the protection unit for this important cultural heritage.

Protection Measures

Safeguarding and Promotion Efforts

The Karma Xuanwu Dance has been carefully preserved through various means, including local folk performances and exhibitions. In 2025, the Tibetan Folk Art Association (西藏民间文艺家协会) conducted a field research trip to the region, recording nearly 30 songs related to the Karma Xuanwu Dance and other local folk songs, including Xuan (宣) and Karma (卡尔玛). Additionally, Pulan County (普兰县) has taken active steps to protect the dance by organizing non-material heritage exhibitions and signing responsibility agreements with inheritors.

The Ngari Mass Art Museum (阿里地区群众艺术馆) has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the Karma Xuanwu Dance. Their continued efforts include organizing performances and educational programs aimed at teaching the dance to younger generations.

Cultural Preservation through Art Troupes

In 2011, the Zanda County Xuanwu Dance Art Troupe was established to formally promote the dance, train new performers, and continue the traditions of the Karma Xuanwu Dance. The group plays a key role in the dance’s revival and dissemination.

In October 2023, the Karma Xuanwu Dance passed the necessary evaluations to maintain its status as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage project. The Ngari Mass Art Museum (阿里地区群众艺术馆) remains the designated protection unit for this dance.