Inspiration of Miao Nationality in Xiangxi

The name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: Xiangxi Miao drum dance

Applicant: Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province

Item No.: 133

Project No.: Ⅲ - 30

Time of publication: 2006 (the first batch)

Category: traditional dance

Region: Hunan Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province

Protection unit: Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

A brief introduction to the dance of Miao Nationality in Xiangxi

Applicant: Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province

Xiangxi Miao drum dance is popular in Jishou City, Fenghuang, Luxi, Baojing, Huayuan, Guzhang and other counties in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province. According to historical records, the dance originated before the Han Dynasty, and was produced in the sacrificial activities of the Miao nationality. With the changes of the times, Miao dance has become the most popular dance art form of Miao people.

There are dozens of kinds of Miao drum dance in Xiangxi, such as flower drum dance, monkey drum dance, woman drum dance, man drum dance and reunion drum dance. These dances are characterized by bright rhythm, drum beating with both hands alternately, jumping with two feet alternately, twisting and swinging all over the body, and graceful movements. Monkey drum dance is flexible and witty; flower drum dance is gentle and charming with soft body; men and women's drum dance is mostly curving and short pile with bold and vigorous movements; women's drum dance is flexible and implicit; reunion drum dance is grand and lively.

The Miao Nationality in Western Hunan has a long history of encouragement. In the process of fighting with foreign forces and resisting the feudal court, the Miao drum horn played a role of calling on and inspiring the people, forming a huge national cohesion, and the Miao drum has become a sacred thing of the Miao Nationality in Western Hunan. Since ancient times, the Miao people's inspiring performance has embodied the Miao people's religious belief and the national spirit of being brave to create and fighting. The protection and development of Miao drum dance in Western Hunan is of great significance to the study of Miao's history, war, religion, migration, production, love and folk custom.