Naru Xieqin Dance in Chengguan District, Lhasa

The Naru Xieqin Dance (拉萨纳如谐钦), a traditional folk dance from Chengguan District (城关区), Lhasa (拉萨), is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. The project was further evaluated and approved for protection by the Lhasa Cultural Bureau (拉萨市文化局) in 2023. This dance blends poetry, music, and dance in a unique, acapella performance that emphasizes the connection between the performers and the environment.

  • Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Declared Area: Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet

  • Approved Date: June 7, 2008

  • Evaluation Date: October 31, 2023

Historical Origins

The Mythical Beginnings of Naru Xieqin

The Naru Xieqin Dance is believed to have originated during the 7th century, under the Tubo Dynasty (吐蕃王朝). According to legend, the people of the Yalong Tribe (雅砻部落) would carry their leader, Nyetshi Zampu (聂赤赞普), on their shoulders as a form of respect, mimicking the sound of horse neighing in the process. This act was symbolic of honoring their king, whose name was later interpreted as “King on the Shoulders.” Over time, this ritual evolved into a dance that incorporated the horse neighing sounds and became known as the Naru Xieqin (纳如谐钦), carrying with it the traditions and ceremonies of ancient Tibet.

Cultural Features

A Fusion of Song, Dance, and Poetry

Naru Xieqin is a grand, complex performance that combines singing, poetry recitation, and dancing. The performance structure consists of slow and fast musical segments, divided into two main parts, with the opening and closing pieces marked by the tunes “Xieguo” (谐果) and “Zaxi” (扎西).

Performers typically sing, speak, and dance in a self-accompanied manner without the use of instruments. The Naru Xieqin is a dramatic dance that is often performed during festive celebrations, especially significant Tibetan holidays. It involves a cast of 32 performers, equally split between men and women.

The performance begins with male and female singing sections. The male and female “Xieben” (谐本), or lead performers, are responsible for leading the dance. After the singing, there is a section of recitation followed by the actual dance, which is highly dependent on the environment and can change accordingly. The hand movements and gestures align with the lyrics, adding to the deep connection between song, speech, and dance.

A Dance of Celebration

The dance is performed mainly during important festive occasions such as Tibetan New Year or religious ceremonies, reflecting a joyous and celebratory mood. In the past, the performers were often artisans appointed by the Tibetan government, nobles, or large estates, and were known as hereditary “Artisans” (艺差).

The dance itself features two types of songs: male and female, each with distinct melodic and rhythmic patterns. These segments typically follow a slow-fast song structure, with performers alternating between singing and dancing.

Cultural Preservation

Efforts for Protection and Preservation

In October 2023, the Lhasa Cultural Bureau received recognition for its successful efforts in the protection and preservation of the Naru Xieqin Dance. This ensures the continued recognition and support of this important art form for future generations.

The protection efforts include ongoing assessments and ensuring that intangible cultural heritage projects, such as Naru Xieqin, receive the necessary institutional and community support to thrive.