Tibetan Xianziwu Dance (Markam County Xianziwu Dance)

Xianziwu Dance (弦子舞), also known as Markam Xianziwu Dance (芒康弦子舞), is a traditional dance form from Markam County (芒康县), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). It is one of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage items and holds a special place in Tibetan culture. The dance is characterized by lively, spontaneous movements and has been a part of the lives of the people of Markam for centuries.

Overview

Markam Xianziwu Dance is considered to have the “ancient charm of the Tea Horse Road” (茶马古道上的“古道神韵”) and is traditionally performed to the sound of the Xianzi (弦子), a local stringed instrument. The dance is versatile and does not have any restrictions regarding space or the number of performers. As long as there is a Xianzi and some open space, the dance can be performed.

The movements of the dance are characterized by fluidity, agility, and expressiveness, featuring steps like dragging steps, pointing steps, turning spins, swinging sleeves, and waist twirls. The most iconic feature of the dance is its flowing long sleeves, which often “flutter” through the air, symbolizing grace and elegance. The dance reflects the strong and heroic spirit of the Kham people (康巴人), showing their courage and vitality.

In May 2006, Markam Xianziwu Dance was officially listed as one of the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage items, receiving national recognition for its cultural significance.

Name and Heritage Status

  • Name: Tibetan Xianziwu Dance (Markam County Xianziwu Dance)

  • Heritage Level: National-level

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Heritage Number: Ⅲ-19

  • Approval Date: May 20, 2006

  • Protection Unit: Cultural Bureau of Markam County (芒康县文化局)

Historical Origins

The name Xianziwu (弦子舞) comes from the Xianzi (弦子), a traditional string instrument similar to the erhu (二胡), which was invented by local people in Markam. The name “Xianzi” is often used in historical texts to refer to a type of huqin (胡琴), a family of Chinese stringed instruments.

The Xianziwu Dance has a long history in Markam County and can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (唐朝). During this time, the dance was simpler and smaller in scale, usually performed in small family settings and accompanied by solo singing. The development of the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), however, brought a great deal of cultural exchange between Markam and surrounding regions, infusing the dance with new styles and energy.

As the people of Markam interacted with neighboring ethnic groups, they continuously absorbed diverse cultural elements, transforming and innovating the dance. This cross-cultural influence, combined with the region’s distinct Kham spirit, earned the dance the nickname “The Ancient Charm of the Tea Horse Road” (茶马古道上的“古道神韵”).

Dance Characteristics

Markam Xianziwu Dance is performed with a Xianzi (弦子), and the dance involves men and women dancing together in a circle. The Xianzi player leads the dance with the first notes of the melody, and the group follows, moving in and out of the circle. The dance includes alternating steps where the performers gather, disperse, and circle around, blending singing and dancing together.

  • Singing and Dancing: The performers sing in call-and-response style, creating a lively back-and-forth rhythm that expresses deep emotions.

  • Flowing Movement: The dance movements are fluid, with the emphasis on graceful body gestures like arm extensions, waist turns, and spinning.

  • Cultural Expression: Every movement is symbolic, embodying both emotional expression and a connection to nature and animals. Performers often imitate animals like the peacock drinking water or the rabbit hopping joyfully.

Substyles

Markam Xianziwu Dance has a number of distinct regional substyles, each with its own unique characteristics:

  • Yanjing Xianzi Dance (盐井弦子舞): Known for its dignified and steady movements.

  • Xuzhong Xianzi Dance (徐中弦子舞): Lighter and more graceful in its performance.

  • Suodosi Xianzi Dance (索多西弦子舞): More challenging in its moves, yet expansive and free-flowing.

  • Qu Deng Xianzi Dance (曲邓弦子舞): Known for its openness and freedom of movement.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics of Markam Xianziwu Dance cover a wide range of topics, from songs celebrating labor and daily life to romantic love and religious devotion.

  • Labor and Life: There are songs that praise hard work, perseverance, and the beauty of everyday tasks.

  • Nature: Some lyrics depict the natural landscape of Markam, expressing love for the mountains, rivers, and sky.

  • Love and Romance: The dance also celebrates love and affection, with many songs expressing deep emotional connections.

  • Religious Praise: Some songs honor the Buddha, Lamas, and monasteries, reflecting the spiritual life of the people.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the lyrics also began to include songs praising the Chinese Communist Party and celebrating the achievements of Chairman Mao Zedong and the new socialist lifestyle.

Cultural Significance

The Markam Xianziwu Dance is not only a form of entertainment but also an important cultural symbol. It is an expression of folk language, a free-spirited folk poem, and a playful game of wit and intelligence. The dance brings people together, offering spiritual nourishment and reinforcing community bonds.

The dance is deeply embedded in the lives of the Tibetan people of Markam, and it plays a vital role in their cultural identity and social cohesion. The people participate in Xianziwu Dance during major holidays and festivals, enriching their cultural life and deepening their love for their homeland.

Protection and Preservation Efforts

The Markam Xianziwu Dance is considered a living tradition, continuously practiced in the 16 towns and villages of Markam County (芒康县). It remains a central part of Tibetan cultural activities, with festivals and performances held regularly to preserve and promote the dance.

The Tibetan Cultural Bureau of Markam County (昌都市芒康县文化局) has been recognized as the official body responsible for the protection and preservation of the dance.

Key Figures in Preservation

  • Jiang Cuo (江措): A Tibetan dancer born in 1950 in Markam, who is a representative inheritor of the dance.

  • Tsering Wangdui (次仁旺堆): Another key figure in preserving and passing on the Markam Xianziwu Dance.

Social Impact

In August 2020, the First Regional Xianziwu Dance Performance and Art Exchange Symposium was held in Gato Town (嘎托镇), Markam County, as part of the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of Chamdo (昌都解放七十周年). This event showcased the diversity and vitality of the Markam Xianziwu Dance, with performances from different towns, celebrating the unique art form and its importance in Tibetan culture.

Cultural Folklore

Legend of Xianzi Dance

According to local folklore, there was once a mountain slope where three immortals lived. Each immortal had a unique musical instrument: the eagle flute, the guqin (古琴), and the Xianzi. The three immortals would often meet on the meadow and compete to see who could play the most beautiful melody. After many years of practice, the Xianzi triumphed and was crowned the most melodious instrument. From then on, the Xianziwu Dance became a celebrated art form, symbolizing the triumph of beauty and harmony.

The Markam Xianziwu Dance continues to captivate audiences with its rhythm, elegance, and profound cultural roots. It is a living testament to the enduring traditions of the Tibetan people and their vibrant heritage.