Source: CCTV.com

08-08-2007 10:37

Special Report:   60th Inner Mongolia Autonomous

For centuries, Inner Mongolian herdsmen have had a unique nomadic culture. Their closeness to nature has allowed them to develop a variety of art forms. Their traditional arts have been passed on down the ages. But are they still strong as before? What made them change? And where are they heading?

The grassland evokes nostalgia. By singing long song in this open space, Da Wa Sang Bu thinks about the old days. He started learning the art as a teenager and he's now a renowned artist. Over the years, his devotion has been accompanied by his master's will.

Da Wa Sang Bu, long song artist, said, "I learnt long song with Ha Zha Bu. Before he died, he said to me, you are here to carry on my career. I'm getting old and in bad health, so I'm returning to my hometown. It's a relief to have you as my successor. Make sure you inherit it and continue on my path. The essence of the long song must not be changed. I've always remembered this. And for this I devoted myself. I must complete his will."

Long song is one of the oldest Mongolian art forms. For thousands of years, it's been passed on orally, requiring a huge vocal range and great control. In 2005, long song was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

Dr. Qiao Yuguang, director of Inner Mongolia Art Research Inst., said, "What we're rescuing and protecting is not just for one people and one region. We are shouldering a greater historic responsibility, which is, to guard, for mankind, all the splendid intangible cultural legacies created by nomadic peoples on this prairie."

Nature and culture coexist on this land. The combination has given both of them spiritual significance. For artists like Da Wa Sang Bu, innovation of traditional art is an interesting but risky attempt. But as some tractional art goes global, adaptation of original elements has become a popular alternative for many other artists.