Songs from Tianzhu
Here we present three endangered songs that were recorded by PMP member Sgrol dkar skyid in Skya yang Village, Tanshang Lian Townshpi, Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu Province. This post includes a milking song that is sung when women are milking yaks. It praises the yak, comparing it to an ocean of the milk. The collection also includes a wedding song that must be sung when a bride’s hair is being braided by her aunts prior to the wedding. It expresses the wish that the bride have a happy life in her new home. The final song in this collection is debating song that provokes an opponent to sing and is sung at celebratory gatherings and on rainy days when people can’t go outside to work.
skya-yang-collection-1 (Gansu)
skya-yang-collection-2 (Gansu)
skya-yang-collection-3 (Gansu)
Our work is supported by United Board, The Bridge Fund, and the Alex Hillman Family Foundation.
