Zewang Renqing and Geluo Zhaxi, Sichuan Province, 2014.
Photo by Jing Li, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
The Qiang people live mostly in valleys in western Sichuan Province, which was severely damaged by an earthquake in 2008, thereby threatening the continuity of Qiang culture. Today there are relatively few who can still sing these ancient songs, which document the history of the Qiang people. Zewang Renqing 泽旺仁青 and Geluo Zhaxi 格洛扎西 learned Qiang polyphonic singing while herding cattle with their parents. In 2006, Zewang and Geluo won the bronze prize at the CCTV National Youth Singers’ Competition and have since toured internationally. For the Folklife Festival, they were joined by their wives Shi Maomao 石昴毛 and Lin Macuo 林玛磋 to recreate the atmosphere of local wine parties with songs and dances.
From the Festival
The Biman Brothers, Geluo Zhaxi and Zewang Renqing, perform Qiang polyphonic singing in the Moonrise Pavilion.
Photo by Josh Weilepp, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
The Biman Brothers perform at a private reception in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Photo by Francisco Guerra, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
The Biman Brothers, Zewang Renqing and Geluo Zhaxi, play Qiang instruments in the Moonrise Pavilion.
Photo by Hillary Cleary, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Zewang Renqing instructs Festival visitors in the Family Style tent on how to sing Qiang songs.
Photo by Hillary Cleary, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Chai Yunlong gives tai chi lessons to Festival visitors and members of the U.S. Wushu Academy in People's Park.
Photo by Heather Caverhill, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Chai Yunlong mentors a young member of the U.S. Wushu Academy.
Photo by Francisco Guerra, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
