Chen Musa – Bimo Shaman-priest of Yi Ethnic Minority in Shangri-la, Diqing

Chen Musa’s Profile

Chen Musa (Yi name: Jike Musa), male, Yi ethnicity, was born in October 1954 in Mianning County (冕宁县), Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (凉山彝族自治州), Sichuan Province (四川省). At the age of 21, he married and relocated to Tuguan Village (土官村民小组), Baoshan Village (宝山村), Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). He is a renowned inheritor of Yi ethnic customs and rituals, specializing in the “Bimo” (毕摩) tradition.

The Yi Ethnic “Bimo” Culture

“Bimo” (毕摩) are pivotal religious and cultural figures in Yi society. The term translates to “elder who chants scriptures to avert disasters” and refers to the inventors and preservers of Yi civilization. Bimo serve multiple roles, including:

• Religious priests
• Scripture masters
• Ritual specialists
• Intellectuals

They are proficient in Yi script (彝文) and possess extensive knowledge of Yi history, religion, medicine, and etiquette. Their primary duties include presiding over:

• Sacrificial ceremonies
• Exorcisms
• Blessing rituals
• Soul-calling ceremonies

These practices aim to pray for prosperity, ward off misfortunes, and ensure communal well-being.

Contributions of Chen Musa

As a respected Bimo (毕摩), Chen Musa holds high esteem in the local Yi community. His contributions include:

• Mastering and performing traditional Yi religious rites and cultural practices
• Preserving Yi heritage through weddings, funerals, and blessing ceremonies
• Mentoring younger generations in Yi customs
• Actively participating in intangible cultural heritage conservation efforts

His work has been instrumental in safeguarding and promoting Yi culture.

Yi Culture in Hutiaoxia Town

Located in southeastern Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇) serves as the city’s “southern gateway” and is home to multiple ethnic groups, including the Yi (彝族), Lisu (傈僳族), Naxi (纳西族), and Tibetan (藏族).

Key cultural features of the Yi in this region include:

• Distinctive customs
• Traditional festivals
• Folk arts

Chen Musa, as a representative Bimo (毕摩), plays a vital role in sustaining these traditions.

Legacy of Chen Musa

Chen Musa is not only an exceptional Bimo (毕摩) but also a guardian of Yi culture. Through his dedication, Yi traditions continue to thrive and adapt in modern society.

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