Yi Xiang – Representative Inheritor of  Dai Zhangha Project in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna

Yi Xiang (依香) is the recognized inheritor of Dai Zhangha (傣族章哈), a traditional singing/storytelling art form, in Mengla Town (勐腊镇), Mengla County (勐腊县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州).

Artistic Mastery

Preserving an Oral Tradition

Specializing in:

  • Traditional epic narration (Dai historical poems)
  • Improvisational singing
  • Ceremonial performance (weddings, festivals)
  • Instrumental accompaniment (usually with bamboo flute or string instruments)

Performance Characteristics

The Art of Zhangha

Key elements of Yi Xiang’s artistry:

Vocal Techniques

  • Distinctive nasal resonance
  • Complex melodic ornamentation

Repertoire

  • 30+ traditional epic poems
  • Contemporary compositions

Cultural Context

  • Buddhist themes
  • Agricultural cycle celebrations
  • Life passage rituals

Transmission Efforts

Teaching the Next Generation

Yi Xiang’s preservation work includes:

Community Workshops

  • Vocal training for youth
  • Instrument making seminars

Academic Collaborations

  • Documentation with ethnologists
  • University lecture-demonstrations

Innovative Presentations

  • Festival performances
  • Digital media projects

Cultural Significance

More Than Entertainment

As a living repository of:

  • Dai oral history
  • Buddhist philosophy
  • Traditional aesthetics

Yi Xiang ensures this UNESCO-listed intangible heritage continues to resonate with both Dai communities and global audiences.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3099.html