Nuo dance (ancient Nuo in Punan)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: Nuo dance (ancient Nuo in Punan)

Applicant: Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province

Project No.: 110

Project No.: Ⅲ - 7

Time of publication: 2011 (the third batch)

Category: traditional dance

Region: Fujian Province

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province

Protection unit: Science, education, culture and health service center, Punan Town, Xiangcheng District, Zhangzhou City

Introduction to Nuo dance (ancient Nuo in Punan)

Applicant: Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province

Punan ancient Nuo, also known as dashenga, is an ancient form of Nuo dance in Punan Town, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province.

There are two "great gods" in Punan Town: one is the image of Qipin county magistrate, the other is the image of bookboy. "Dashenga" is a drum shaped bamboo basket made of bamboo strips and embroidered with exquisite patterns. During the performance, the dancers got into the dance hall, shouldered them and put on masks. The "county magistrate" held the sign of "peace for the country and the people" or "good weather". The "bookboy" held a fan and danced with the rhythm of drums accompanied by gongs and drums. Another "big head doll" hopped between them. The dance action of "dashenga" is exaggerated and funny.

"Dashenga" in Punan was first a ceremony for the local residents to welcome the gods and expel the epidemic ghosts. Later, it gradually added the functions of greeting the auspicious and praying for the gods, and evolved into a traditional folk activity. The performance of "dashenga" can be seen in festivals, major celebrations, sacrifices or folk activities.

The appearance, production method, performance form and function of "dashengzi" in Punan are basically the same as those of "dashengzi" in Ilan, Taiwan. It is of great value to study the relationship between Nuo culture in China and folk beliefs in Fujian and Taiwan.