Naxi Folk Songs in Lijiang, Yunnan, China

Abstract

Naxi folk songs are a crucial component of the cultural heritage of the Naxi people in Lijiang, Yunnan, China. The objectives of this dissertation were to:1.Investigate the historical development of Naxi folk songs in Lijiang, Yunnan, China.2.Analyze the musical characteristics of Naxi folk songs in Lijiang, Yunnan, China.This research employed qualitative research methods, utilizing interviews, field observations, and document analysis as primary data collection tools. Data were collected on-site through interviews with key informants, including folk musicians, scholars, and community elders, and then systematically analyzed.The findings reveal that:

1. The historical development of Naxi folk songs highlights their deep connection to Naxi cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and historical experiences. Rooted in the Dongba religious tradition, these songs played a central role in rituals, agricultural activities, and storytelling. Over centuries, external influences from Han, Tibetan, and Bai cultures contributed to their evolution. The introduction of musical instruments such as the pipa and erhu, along with linguistic integration, diversified the musical repertoire. Political changes, including the Communist reforms and the Cultural Revolution, affected their transmission, while contemporary revival efforts have aimed at restoring their significance.

2. The musical characteristics of Naxi folk songs include distinct melodic structures, rhythmic patterns, and performance techniques. The songs are predominantly pentatonic, with simple yet expressive melodic lines, often incorporating ornamentation such as glissando and vibrato. Traditional Naxi instruments, including the hulusi and Dongba drum, accompany performances, reinforcing the spiritual and communal nature of the songs. The lyrics, structured in an A-B form, convey themes of nature, love, history, and spirituality, often using call-and-response patterns and flexible vocal techniques.

-