Foreword
10th June is China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. China Cultural Centre in Sydney and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region jointly launch the “Splendors of Guangxi • Colourful Intangible Cultural Heritages” Online Exhibition, showcasing various intangible cultural heritages from Guangxi, such as the Ballad of Liu Sanjie, Yao Ethnic Costume, the Art of Tianqin, the Dong ethnic grand songs and Maonan ethnic floral bamboo hat weaving technique Hat and highlighting the vibrant ethnic cultures of Guangxi.
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is a multi-ethnic region with a long history and rich culture. Its profound historical background and splendid traditional culture have given rise to abundant intangible cultural heritages, which are regional, diverse and unique, not only embodying the wisdom and extraordinary creativity of various ethnic groups in Guangxi but also carrying forward the valuable cultural roots of each ethnic group, and further serving as an inexhaustible driving force and inspiration source for each ethic group to unite and forge ahead. By June 2022, Guangxi has 70 national-level representative items of intangible cultural heritage, and 49 inheritors have been recognized as national-level representatives of intangible cultural heritage.
This online exhibition features 28 short videos briefly introducing 28 national-level intangible cultural heritages from Guangxi, highlighting Liu Sanjie’s folk songs, Zhuang ethnic brocade weaving, Dong ethnic grand songs, Yao ethnic long drum dance, and Maonan ethnic floral bamboo hat weaving technique to showcase the pure nature, enchanting melodies, original vitality and authentic aesthetic charm of these national-level intangible cultural heritages and lead the audience to explore the beauty of handicrafts and appreciate the life wisdom and cultural code of Guangxi.
Folk Literature
The Ballad of Liu Sanjie are popular in Zhuang ethnic settlements in Yizhou City and all over Guangxi. Liu Sanjie is known as the “Song Fairy” in Guangxi, and there have been numerous legends, tales, and literary records about her since the Ming and Qing dynasties. The stories and folk songs passing down orally among the Zhuang people are even more abundant. Yizhou City is the most iconic area for ballad of Liu Sanjie and is recognized as her hometown.The Ballad of Liu Sanjie are characterized by “singing instead of talking”, which have a strong ethnic identity. It has been passed down relatively intact and extensively with a rich variety of folk songs. These songs demonstrate the charm of living culture of the Chinese traditional folk arts.
Traditional craftsmanship
Zhuang ethnic brocade weaving technique, one of the traditional handicrafts in China, is considered a cultural treasure of the Zhuang ethnic group. It mainly includes Zhuang brocade and embroidered balls weaving techniques. These exquisite handicrafts using cotton or silk threads feature vivid patterns, precise structures and vibrant colors, full of a passionate and cheerful ethnic style and reflecting Zhuang people’s pursuit of and yearning for a better life. With a history of over a thousand years, Zhuang Brocade has developed into three categories, over twenty varieties, and more than fifty patterns. It is renowned for its durability, exquisite craftsmanship, unique designs, and beautiful patterns, earning it as one of China’s four famous brocades.
Traditional Music
Dong ethnic grand songs is popular in the Dong villages along the Yandong River in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Dong grand songs is a polyphonic folk song performed collectively by the Dong people. This type of songs are usually sung by male and female chorus groups during festivals. They gather either in the drum towers or around the fire pit and engage in antiphonal singing to express emotions and praise nature. Dong grand songs has a unique singing style and distinctive organizational form, which carries the history and culture of the Dong ethnic group. It encompasses a wide range of repertoire and covers diverse themes, serving as the spiritual pillar that sustains the Dong community’s existence.
Traditional Dance
Long Drum Dance of Yao Minority (Huangni Drum Dance), known as “Ni Wang Gong” in the Yao language, is a type of membranophone instrument of the Jinxiu Ao Yao people. It consists of two types of drums, the male drum and the female drum. Legend has it that the drums were created to mourn the Yao ancestors, especially the King Pan. Long Drum Dance of Yao Minority stands out in ethnic dances and is primarily performed during ceremonies and rituals dedicated to King Pan through the entire ceremonial event. The Huangni Drum Dance has various forms, including duets, quartets, and group dances. The dancers dress in elaborate costumes and exhibit synchronized movements, coordinated actions, and dynamic formations, showcasing the vitality and joyful spirit of the Yao people during bountiful harvest celebrations.
Traditional Art
The Maonan floral bamboo hat is a beautiful handicraft used as rain gear by Maonan women in Huanjiang County of Guangxi. It is woven from locally abundant golden bamboo and ink bamboo splints, featuring exquisite craftsmanship, attractive patterns, graceful shape, and reliable durability. It is tightly woven, fine and neat, light and rain proof and visually appealing.
