Puduiba Xuanwu Dance in Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa

The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance (普堆巴宣舞) is a traditional Tibetan folk dance originating from Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), located in the Lhasa (拉萨) region of Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). This dance has been recognized as part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance has a long history and rich content, dating back to the period before the Tubo Dynasty (吐蕃王朝). It is highly regarded and often mentioned alongside other famous folk arts from regions along the upper Lhasa River, such as Yangrigang (羊日岗) and Zhangda (章达). Its importance and influence are evident from its historical and cultural standing. The dance is a combination of chanting, singing, and dancing, merging the essence of both Central Tibet (中藏) and Rear Tibet (后藏) folk dance styles.

On June 7, 2008, the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance was officially added to the second batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, with project number III-80.

  • Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage

  • Project Number: III-80

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Declared Area: Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), Lhasa (拉萨)

  • Approved: June 7, 2008

Historical Origins

The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance is an ancient Tibetan folk dance, and its origins can be traced back to the pre-Tubo period, further developed during the Guge Kingdom (古格王国). The dance is depicted in the Red Hall murals of the Guge Ruins (古格遗址), where the Guge King (古格王) is shown performing the dance to honor Atisha (阿底峡大师).

Records indicate that in 1042, the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance was performed as a ceremonial dance at Tholing Monastery (托林寺) to welcome Atisha, an influential figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Over time, this folk dance spread to areas such as Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), located along the upper reaches of the Lhasa River, where it was frequently performed during religious celebrations and rituals.

The dance gained significant prominence, and during the 15th century, it was further standardized and refined by Dönchö Jeb (顿珠杰布), the 12th abbot (法嗣) of Zhi Gong (直贡) lineage. Under his guidance, the performance became more artistic and sophisticated. The dance’s development was further supported during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama (第五世达赖喇嘛), with performances at Sangye Monastery (桑耶寺) as part of grand artistic gatherings.

Dance Features

Performance Style

The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance integrates chanting, singing, and dancing. The dance is characterized by its graceful movements, steady rhythms, and simple yet elegant choreography. Dancers move in clear, lively steps, often with subtle body movements that are difficult to master. The performers sing while dancing, and when not singing, they continue to move to the rhythm of the accompanying music. The dance incorporates elements of religion, ritual, customs, and festivals, presenting a sophisticated and composed aesthetic.

Costume Characteristics

The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance is typically performed at significant ceremonies, such as the enthronement of religious kings or the consecration of monasteries. The costumes for these performances are highly luxurious and often beyond the means of ordinary families. The rich attire is typically worn by the elite families of the region, including those in the Gangduo, Tixue, Zatang, and other prominent families. These families contribute to the performance by providing dancers in formal roles, and the elaborate costumes represent the cultural wealth of Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县).

Inheritance and Protection

Inheritance Value

The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance is an integral part of Tibetan folk culture, preserving important local customs and traditions. Its rich history provides invaluable insights for ethnological and folklore studies, offering a glimpse into the culture and heritage of the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区).

Inheritance Status

The expertise of skilled dancers who once performed the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance has diminished with the passing of senior artists. This has led to a concerning lack of successors and a threat to the dance’s survival. There is an urgent need for preservation efforts to ensure the continuation of this important cultural heritage.

Key Inheritor

  • Angga (昂嘎): A female dancer from Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), born in 1932, is a recognized inheritor of the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance and has been officially recognized as part of the 3rd batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage representatives.

Protection Measures

In November 2019, the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县文化和旅游局) was officially designated as the protection unit for the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance.

In October 2023, the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance project was reassigned to the Maizhokunggar County Cultural Tourism and Sports Bureau (墨竹工卡县文化旅游和体育局) due to changes in the protection unit’s structure.

Social Impact

Honors and Recognition

  • 2006: The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance was performed at the 2006 China Ethnic and Folk Song and Dance Festival, hosted by CCTV, where it was awarded the prestigious title of “Best Folk Dance”.

Social Activities

  • November 8, 2019: The Puduiba Xuanwu Dance was featured in the Nanjing 10,000 People Maizhokunggar Family Reunion Event.

  • November 9, 2019: The dance was showcased at the first “Galsang Flower Blooming: Nanjing Maizhokunggar Week” Opening Ceremony, held at the Laomendong Historical Cultural Street in Nanjing.