Li Shida – Lisu “Jizi” and “Qiben” Player in Shangri-la County, Diqing
Profile of Li Shida
Li Shida, male, Lisu ethnicity, was born in 1945 in Xinglong Village (兴隆村), Jinjiang Town (金江镇), 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 master of traditional Lisu musical instruments, specializing in performing and crafting the earth lute (“Jizi” (吉资) in Lisu language) and three-stringed lute (“Qiben” (起本)).
Artistic Background
Growing up in a multi-ethnic village inhabited by Pumi (普米), Han (汉), Naxi (纳西), Lisu (傈僳), Bai (白), Miao (苗), Yi (彝), Tibetan (藏), and Hui (回) groups, Li inherited his musical passion from his parents – celebrated local singers known for their improvisational folk songs. He began learning Lisu music and dance from his father during childhood.
Performance Skills and Contributions
Li has mastered multiple traditional instruments including:
- Jizi (吉资)
- Qiben (起本)
- Erhu
- Gourd Sheng
His repertoire encompasses diverse Lisu folk songs:
- Ancient ballads
- Love songs
- Competitive songs
- Ritual chants
- Funeral dirges
- Odes
As a lead performer of “Waqiqi” (瓦器器) dance (an 18-segment dance featuring “Twelve Steps” footwork), Li excels in both dancing and musical accompaniment.
His family band is highly sought-after for important local events. During agricultural off-seasons, they tour neighboring villages to promote Lisu folk arts. As a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Li actively teaches younger generations.
Cultural Preservation and Influence
Li’s work has significantly contributed to preserving Lisu culture by:
- Maintaining authentic performance styles
- Incorporating contemporary aesthetics
- Revitalizing traditional arts
His efforts have made Lisu music and dance vital components of Diqing’s (迪庆) intangible cultural heritage.
As a master performer, Li has achieved technical excellence while making outstanding contributions to sustaining and developing Lisu traditional arts in modern society.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2901.html
