One of the academic series of the Institute of Ancient Civilizations, Peking University -- A Study of Shanxi Yuehu

Author: Xiang Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-10-01
Features: The Leji system, which originated in the Northern Wei Dynasty and lasted until the first year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, was a professional musician system centered around "low-status people." Those who were registered in the Leji were called "Lehu." They performed duties in the imperial court, government offices, military campaigns, and temples, providing various services related to "music." The main thread of Chinese musical culture was actually created and passed down by professional musicians centered around "low-status people." The Leji system, lasting for over a thousand years, contributed to the systematic development of Chinese music. This book begins with field research on the descendants of Lehu in Shanxi Province, one of the most concentrated historical regions of the Leji system, and traces the traditional Chinese musical culture with the Leji system and Lehu as the main thread. It conducts a comprehensive study of this group from various perspectives such as literature, sociology, folklore, musicology, history, and archaeology, examining their self-empowerment methods, social status, beliefs, organizational forms, and other aspects throughout history, aiming to offer new interpretations.