Gongbuzhanianbodong
01 · Historical Records
The zhanian is said to have originated in the Tibet Autonomous Region and has a very ancient history.
02 · Core Techniques & Process
Gongbu zhanian bodong is a traditional form of musical performance handed down from generation to generation in Nyingchi City of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is mainly transmitted in Linzhi Town, Buju Township, Mirui Township, Bayi Town, Lulang Town, Gengzhang Township and Baiba Town of Bayi District, and is concentrated in Lulang Town and Mirui Township. Bayi District of Nyingchi City lies in southeastern Tibet at the confluence of the Yarlung Zangbo River and the Nyang Yang River, 406 kilometres from Lhasa, the capital of the autonomous region. The people living there are mainly Tibetans, Han people, Monpa, Lhoba and the Shang people, of whom the Tibetans, mainly the Gongbo Tibetans, are in the majority. The Gongbo Tibetans are good at singing and dancing, and this has given rise to the traditional culture associated with Gongbu zhanian bodong. In Tibetan, 'nian' means pleasing to the ear; 'zhanian' therefore means the qin whose sound is pleasing. It is one of the representative traditional instruments of the Tibetan people and is widely transmitted in Tibetan-inhabited areas, being especially prevalent in the U-Tsang region of central Tibet; it is an indispensable accompanying instrument in the traditional song-and-dance forms of nangma, duixie and Gongbu bo. The zhanian of different Tibetan-inhabited areas has its own character in construction, playing method, musical style and form of performance; there are six-string, seven-string and other types, of which the six-string type is the most common. The Gongbu zhanian of Nyingchi City is comparatively small, the body being about 80 centimetres long; the diamond-shaped pattern on the back is rather dense and is called 'Dinggema', and the playing method is mainly in triplets, with clearly marked rhythm. Gongbu zhanian bodong is a cultural art combining song, dance and music: it may be played as a solo, sung and played by a number of people, or combined with Gongbu bo song and dance to form a music-and-dance performance. Its form of performance is lively and animated, with a distinctive style. Under the influence of modern ways of life, like other traditional performing arts, Gongbu zhanian bodong also faces a difficulty in transmission. The sound of the zhanian is rich in Tibetan aesthetic feeling and implication, and is an indispensable important element in the music of Tibet. Gongbu zhanian bodong is a representative musical form of the forest-region culture of Tibet, with a distinctly forest-region musical style and playing characteristics.
Dinggema diamond pattern and triplet plucking
The Gongbu zhanian of Nyingchi City is comparatively small, the body being about 80 centimetres long; the diamond-shaped pattern on the back is rather dense and is called 'Dinggema', and the playing method is mainly in triplets, with clearly marked rhythm.
la-re-so tuning
The tuning for singing and playing Gongbu zhanian differs from that of the zhanian of Lhasa and of the Lhaze area of Shigatse, which is tuned to la, re and so, with the outer string being a high so.
Gongbu-bo song-dance form
Gongbu zhanian bodong is a cultural art combining song, dance and music: it may be played as a solo, sung and played by a number of people, or combined with Gongbu bo song and dance to form a music-and-dance performance.
Transmission training
Historically Gongbu zhanian bodong was carried on mainly through master-disciple transmission; at present the local protection units and inheritors are supported in opening training classes that teach the tuning, fingering, phrasing, rhythm and lyrics of the zhanian and train successors.
03 · Regional Records & Related Items
Its tuning for singing and playing differs from that of the zhanian of Lhasa and of the Lhaze area of Shigatse, which is tuned to la, re and so, with the outer string being a high so. The local farmers and herdsmen are good at singing and dancing, and like to play familiar melodies on the Gongbu zhanian in dense primeval forests and on vast grasslands, singing and dancing as they play.
Other submitting regions for the same item: Tibetan Zhamuniedanchang.
04 · Cultural Value & Contemporary Safeguarding
Historically, Gongbu zhanian bodong had a broad popular base and was carried on mainly through master-disciple transmission. At present the local government actively supports protection units and inheritors in opening training classes that teach the tuning, fingering, phrasing, rhythm and lyrics of the zhanian and train successors, so that the body of transmitters keeps growing. At the same time, various publicity and demonstration activities are held to promote the spread of this item and to encourage more members of the public, especially young people, to take part in transmission and protection work. Uncovering, protecting and transmitting this cultural heritage is of positive significance for enriching the cultural life of the people, promoting national culture and advancing the building of a harmonious society.
06 · Authoritative Sources & Bibliography
Sources
China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network (ihchina.cn)
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