Human and God Dancing: A Study and Research on Religious Ritual Dances in Qinghai

Author: Ma Shengde, Cao Yali
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Qinghai is an area with highly active religious ritual music and dance activities and is also an important region for the spread of Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetan, Mongolian, Tu, and some Han ethnic groups in the region generally practice Tibetan Buddhism. There are numerous activity venues and a complex variety of sects, reflecting the richness and diversity of Buddhist culture. In folk traditions, religious belief activities of various ethnic groups exhibit diverse forms, varied expressions, and mysterious yet rich content. This book is the result of the authors' field research and studies over more than ten years. The entire book focuses on Tibetan Buddhist Qiangmu music and dance and folk ritual dances in Qinghai. Based on extensive field research data, it systematically organizes the humanistic background, historical origins, and characteristics of Tibetan Buddhist Qiangmu music and dance in Qinghai; elaborates on the relationship between Qinghai's religious ritual music and dance and Tibetan opera art; analyzes the characteristics and expressive content of folk religious ritual dances in Qinghai; and explores the performance forms, religious beliefs, and theatrical practices of religious ritual music and dance, supplemented by case studies. The book combines text and illustrations, with comprehensive and detailed data, making it significant in filling gaps in the field.