Mysterious Maogusi dance
2023-08-14
Maogusi is an ancient and original artistic performance form that spreads among Tujia people. “Maogusi is a combination of early dance and drama, which can let people appreciate the beauty of primitive art,” said Qin Haitao.
Qin Haitao, 58 years old, has been deeply interested in Maogusi since childhood. According to his memories, every Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, or harvest celebration, the elders will use leaves, straw, and animal skins to make dresses, and express joy and aspiration for life through Maogusi in bare feet.
“Maogusi has performance routines, including sweeping the hall, worshiping ancestors, and hunting, with rough and bold movements, as well as simple actions. The specific plots include collecting dew, forging iron, plowing, sowing, hunting, harvesting, making ciba, and welcoming the bride. It strives to express the contents of Tujia ancestors’ hunting, farming and life through dance movements and plots. Instruments such as gongs, drums, cymbals, horns, suonas and trombones will be used during the performance,” said Tan Haitao.
Maogusi has been passed on from generation to generation in Luoshui Township for thousands of years. In 2008, it was included on the list of the city’s intangible cultural heritage items, and in the same year, Luoshui Township was awarded the title of “Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture (Maogusi Dance) Art” by the Ministry of Culture.
