Chinese Nuo Drama Dance

The Nuo Dance was initially a mystic ritual used to eliminate evil spirits. Its name comes from one of these rituals, where the participants would recite the word "nuo" in order to rid themselves of evil influence. First originating between the 11th and 16th century BC, Nuo has many similarities to early pagan and shamanistic practices; performers would train in ritual procedures and Nuo opera to greet and rid themselves of the evil spirits in question. It has since evolved into a more elaborate drama with masked performers. Although the dance declined after the Song dynasty, it is still performed by Chinese ethnic minorities in remote regions of the Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, and Anhui provinces. The Mask is the soul of Nuo Drama. The wooden mask also has religious implications; as the symbol and medium of a spirit, masks are governed by strict rules. Our masks are made by the best artists and carved to the highest standards.

Channel: Film & Animation
Uploaded: November 4, 2006 at 6:29 am
Author: galleriapangea

Length: 03:49
Rating: 5.00
Views: 3265

Tags: ancient  Chinese  dance  drama  galleriapangea.com  handicraft  handmade  mask  nuo  ritual  wooden  

Video Comments