Mina- Inheritor of Jiaxie Song and Dance in Saga County, Shigatse, Tibet

Mina (米玛), a talented Tibetan artist, is the national-level representative inheritor of the Jiaxie Song and Dance (旦嘎甲谐) from Saga County (萨嘎县), Shigatse (日喀则市), Tibet. Mina was born in 1970 in Laya Village, Xiaru Township, Saga County, located in Shigatse (日喀则市), Tibet. She is celebrated for her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting this traditional form of Tibetan performing arts.


Early Life and Training

From a young age, Mina developed a deep passion for Jiaxie Song and Dance. Immersed in her local culture, she began learning the dance under the guidance of the elders. Mina quickly mastered the core techniques and routines of the dance, which involves both song and dance elements, characteristic of Tibetan folk traditions. Her talent and commitment earned her local recognition as one of the prominent practitioners of Jiaxie Dance in her community.

Becoming a Representative Inheritor

In 2010, Mina was honored as a provincial-level representative inheritor of Tibetan Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tibet Autonomous Region, due to her exceptional skills and contributions. Her role in preserving this traditional art form has made her an influential figure in the Saga County (萨嘎县) region.


Achievements and Honors

Mina’s dedication to the preservation of Jiaxie Song and Dance has led to significant recognition:

National-Level Recognition

  • May 8, 2018: Mina was officially recognized as a national-level representative inheritor of Jiaxie Song and Dance (旦嘎甲谐) as part of the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage inheritors. This prestigious recognition highlights her deep commitment to preserving and promoting Tibetan traditional arts.

Contribution to Cultural Preservation

Mina has played a key role in keeping the tradition of Jiaxie Song and Dance alive through active participation in local folk activities and festivals. She is dedicated to training new generations of dancers and passing down this art form to her apprentices, ensuring its continued vitality in the years to come.


Cultural Influence and Mentorship

Mina is not only a skilled performer but also a passionate teacher. Over the years, she has trained many apprentices, furthering the legacy of Jiaxie Song and Dance. Through her mentorship, she has helped preserve the unique cultural heritage of Saga County (萨嘎县), enriching the community and passing on valuable traditional knowledge.

She continues to perform and participate in various cultural activities, spreading the beauty of Jiaxie Dance and keeping it relevant in modern times. Mina’s commitment to her craft has earned her the respect of both the public and her peers.


Looking Ahead

As the representative inheritor of Jiaxie Song and Dance, Mina is dedicated to furthering the legacy of Tibetan folk arts. With her ongoing work as both a performer and educator, she is helping to ensure the preservation of this important tradition for future generations. Through her dedication, Mina has become a key figure in the cultural preservation of Tibetan arts in Shigatse (日喀则市), and beyond.