The Inheritance and Protection of Tibetan Opera Masks

Journal: Arts Studies and Criticism DOI: 10.32629/asc.v6i4.4344

Daiwei Li

The Party School of the CPC Liquan County Committee, Liquan, Shanxi, China

Abstract

Tibetan opera is a crystallization of the outstanding traditional culture of the Tibetan people and a part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Influenced by Tibet’s geographical location, Tibetan opera has preserved ancient, complete, and ethnically distinctive masks, reflecting the Tibetan people’s devotion to Buddhism and their hopes for good fortune. The iconic masks used in the opening incorporate Tibetan auspicious symbols, containing rich connotations, reflecting auspicious culture, and possessing historical and cultural value. Their production process is intricate, and the materials are rare, giving them artistic and collectible value. With the passage of time, Tibetan opera masks have been continually refined but also face opportunities and challenges. On one hand, designs need improvement, and small souvenirs should be developed to retain cultural connotations and attract attention; on the other hand, due to the scarcity of inheritors, the government should implement preferential measures to cultivate successors to prevent gaps in inheritance. Meanwhile, modern technology can be used to innovate traditional craftsmanship, design assembly lines, and produce portable souvenirs to promote inheritance and development. The inheritance and protection of Tibetan opera masks require the joint efforts of society, implementing comprehensive measures to achieve innovative transformation and creative development, ensuring better preservation and transmission of this cultural heritage.

Keywords

Tibet; Tibetan opera masks; inheritance; protection

References

[1] Li Yi, Xin Leiqian. Study on the Forms of Tibetan Opera in Tibet [M]. Guangzhou: Sun Yat-sen University Press, 2015.
[2] Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Tibet Autonomous Region Cultural Relics Bureau. Tibet Qugong [M]. Beijing: China Encyclopedia Publishing House, 1999.
[3] Sonam Jangzang; translated by Liu Liqian. Chronicles of the Kings of Tibet [M]. Beijing: Minzu Press, 2000.
[4] Bawo Zula Chenwa; translated and annotated by Huang Hao and Zhou Runian. Feast of the Wise [M]. Beijing: Central University for Nationalities Press, 2010.
[5] (France) Etienne de la Vaissière; translated by Geng Sheng, reviewed by Wang Yao. The Civilization of Tibet [M]. Beijing: China Tibetology Publishing House, 2012.
[6] Ban Mazaxi. Controversies in White Horse Tibetan Mask Art [M]. Sichuan Tibetology Research Collection (5).
[7] Liu Zhiqun. Tibetan Opera and Tibetan Customs [M]. Shijiazhuang: Tibet People’s Publishing House & Hebei Juvenile and Children’s Publishing House, 2000.
[8] Zhang Ying, ed. Tibetan Opera Songs and Dances [M]. Shanghai: Shanghai People’s Publishing House, 2009.
[9] Robu Jiangcun, Zhao Xinyu, Yang Jiaming. The Mask Culture of the Roof of the World [M]. Chengdu: Sichuan Nationalities Publishing House, 2008.
[10] Liu Zhiqun, ed. Chinese Opera Chronicles: Tibet Volume [M]. Beijing: Culture and Arts Press, 1993.
[11] Li Yun, Zhou Quangen. Tibetan Opera [M]. Hangzhou: Zhejiang People’s Publishing House, 2005.
[12] Li Yuqin. Study of Tibetan Costume Culture [M]. Beijing: People’s Publishing House, 2010.

Copyright © 2025 Daiwei Li

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License