Sangzhu- Inheritor of Epic of King Gesar in Tibet

Sangzhu (桑珠) (1922–2011) was a renowned Tibetan epic singer and an important inheritor of the “Xie Rong Zhongzi” (Wild Yak Dance), and became a representative inheritor of the Epic of King Gesar (格萨尔) in 2006. His life’s work in preserving and performing the Epic of King Gesar has earned him a prominent place in Tibet’s cultural heritage. Through his efforts, he left behind 45 epic manuscripts and 49 volumes of songs, of which 37 volumes have already been published, making his collection one of the most comprehensive in Tibet. Sangzhu is regarded as a key figure in the preservation and promotion of Tibetan oral traditions.

The Legacy of the Epic of King Gesar

Sangzhu’s deep connection to the Epic of King Gesar began in his early childhood. Inspired by his maternal grandfather, he started studying the epic and became a wandering minstrel, traveling across the plateau, singing the epic to diverse audiences. After the Democratic Reform of Tibet, he settled in Mozhugongka County (墨竹工卡县) and became involved in the Gesar Project at the Tibet Academy of Social Sciences, where he contributed to the recording and compilation of the Epic of King Gesar. He compiled 45 sets of manuscripts in 49 volumes, enriching the epic’s narrative with vivid language and deep emotions, making his rendition of the epic a treasured part of Tibet’s intangible heritage.

In 2022, the Chinese version of his epic manuscripts was published in 33 volumes after eight years of compilation, with an investment of 7.66 million yuan (approximately 1.1 million USD). This monumental work has made the Epic of King Gesar one of the most comprehensive artistic collections in Tibet, offering an invaluable record of this ancient tradition.

Preserving Xie Rong Zhongzi (Wild Yak Dance)

In addition to his work with the epic, Sangzhu was the seventh-generation inheritor of the Xie Rong Zhongzi (协荣仲孜), a traditional Tibetan dance originating from the Songtsan Gampo period (松赞干布). In 2011, the dance was added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产) list. Sangzhu dedicated much of his life to preserving this dance and integrating it into modern education.

He performed Xie Rong Zhongzi at various significant events, such as the Shoton Festival (雪顿节) and Wangguo Festival (望果节), as well as at the Shanghai International Import Expo (上海进博会). Sangzhu also introduced the dance into local schools, educating young students and encouraging the next generation to inherit this cultural treasure. His efforts greatly contributed to the cultural preservation and promotion of Tibetan intangible heritage.

Death and Ongoing Influence

Sangzhu passed away on February 16, 2011, at the age of 90. His death marked the end of an era for the old generation of epic artists, and his legacy lives on through the extensive documentation of his work. His oral history was recorded and preserved by the Luo Sang Team as a documentary, ensuring that future generations would continue to benefit from his contributions to Tibetan culture.

In 2024, the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Sangzhuzi District (桑珠孜区文旅局) issued a certificate to honor Sangzhu’s legacy and continue his work in the protection of intangible cultural heritage.

Sangzhu’s life and work have left an indelible mark on Tibetan culture, particularly in the fields of epic singing and dance preservation. Through his dedication to these art forms, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Epic of King Gesar and Xie Rong Zhongzi continue to be celebrated and passed down to future generations.