Tibetan Kite Making Skills

Tibetan Kite Making (拉萨风筝制作技艺) is a traditional craft from Lhasa (拉萨), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), recognized as part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The kite-making skills in Lhasa are a unique and culturally rich craft that has been practiced for centuries. Each year, the best kites are sold in Lhasa and Shigatse (日喀则), especially during the autumn season when the winds in Tibet are ideal for flying kites.

The Ladakqi (拉达卡其) family in Shigatse and the Tshering (次仁) family in Lhasa are renowned for their exquisite kite-making skills. These families have developed distinctive kite designs and have made significant contributions to the craft.

In 2006, the Tibetan Kite Making craft was officially included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, with heritage number VIII-88.

Key Information

  • Heritage Name: Tibetan Kite Making Skill (拉萨风筝制作技艺)

  • Approval Date: May 20, 2006 (2006年5月20日)

  • Heritage Level: National (国家级)

  • Heritage Number: VIII-88

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Craftsmanship (传统技艺)

  • Region: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区拉萨市)

  • Protecting Unit: Tibet Autonomous Region Folk Art Museum (西藏自治区群众艺术馆)

Historical Origins

Origins of Tibetan Kites

In the Tibetan language, a kite is called “Jabi” (甲比), which means “flying paper bird.” The concept of the kite has existed in Tibet for over a thousand years, originating alongside the development of Tibetan paper (藏纸). The first prototypes of kites were crafted from the same paper and materials used to create sacred texts and manuscripts.

The tradition of kite making flourished particularly in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Zedang (泽当), and spread to neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. During the Qing Dynasty, kites became especially popular among the Tibetan elite, with the 13th Dalai Lama having a special fondness for them. The Dalai Lama even bestowed an official seal to the craftsmen who created kites and kite strings for use in religious ceremonies.

Cultural Features

Cultural Significance and Traditions

Kites play an important role in Tibetan culture, especially in the autumn, when they are flown to mark the season change. The flying of kites is especially popular after the Shoton Festival (雪顿节), a major Tibetan Buddhist festival. In Shigatse, the ritual requires that the local secular officials (俗官) be the first to release the kites, symbolizing a connection between the spiritual and physical realms.

Tibetan kites are distinct in their shapes and colors. The most common form is a diamond-shaped flat kite, but the craftsmanship and decorations vary greatly. Some of the most common designs include the following:

  • Gawo (加沃): The “Big Beard” design.

  • Guma or Guna (古玛或古那): The “Nail Head” or “Black Head” design.

  • Miro (米洛): The “Big Eyes” design.

  • Qiwa (其瓦): The “Sharp Teeth” design.

  • Bangdian (帮典): The “Apron” design.

  • Galin (嘎林): The “Leg Bone” design.

The kites are brightly colored, and when flown, they create a vibrant, multi-colored sky. These kites are also seen as spiritual symbols, often hung on walls to bring good luck.

Kite Fighting and Skills

One of the unique features of Tibetan kite flying is the “kite battle”. This involves skillfully maneuvering the kite to engage in aerial combat with another kite. The goal is to cut the opponent’s kite string, which requires precise control over the kite’s movement. The string is often coated with a special mixture called “Na” (那), which contains glass powder and other sticky substances to give it a serrated edge, making it effective in cutting through other kite strings.

The kite-flying process involves intricate techniques, including line releasing and line gathering to make the kite rise, descend, rotate, and roll in mid-air. The ultimate challenge in the kite battle is to avoid having your kite’s string cut and to be the last kite in the air.

Cultural Preservation

Preservation Efforts

Tibetan kites represent a vital part of Tibetan intangible cultural heritage, but their preservation faces several challenges. Despite this, efforts are being made to safeguard and promote the craft, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn this ancient art form.

In 2023, the Tibet Autonomous Region Folk Art Museum (西藏自治区群众艺术馆) was recognized as the official protection unit for Tibetan kite making. This recognition ensures that proper measures are in place for the craft’s continued development and protection.

Social Impact

Important Exhibitions and Recognition

Tibetan kite making has not only gained attention within Tibet but has also been showcased in various exhibitions to highlight the cultural significance of this craft. Some notable exhibitions include:

  • “Tibetan Culture and Traditions of Lhasa” (拉萨文化与传统) – An exhibition held in Lhasa that featured traditional Tibetan crafts, including kite making.

  • “Tibet’s Artistic Heritage” (西藏艺术遗产) – A cultural exhibition held in Lhasa, which celebrated the region’s rich artistic traditions, with Tibetan kites featured prominently.

These exhibitions have provided a platform for both Tibetans and visitors from around the world to appreciate the skill and artistry behind Tibetan kite making.