TIBETAN CHAM DANCING
Relax and enjoy. sit back and explore the main ritual dance
of tibetan buddhism ...
 Longhorns with Purok and Chisun. |
 .... with a little help from our friends .... |
Nechung protectors at Gonlung
 Shanags - the famous Black Hats |
Yama's skull topped bludgeon
|
Cham finale, Gomar Gonpa
_
Here is what you will find on this website:
History - told as a story might be recounted; highly anecdotal in nature. Historically, script and writing and printing were difficult in the days long, and not so long, ago. Most people were illiterate anyway and indeed many still are. It is difficult to educate nomads when it means taking children away from their families and their work responsibilities in the short time available to get to summer pastures or return before the winter season. Consequently, little had been recorded, and what was written down or published was often well intentioned but incorrect.
Masks / costumes - the main attraction of the cham dance to the foreign eye is the multitude and divergence of the colorful masks. This link examines how they are made, some of the masks seen most often, some details and meaning of items. Costumes worn by the dancers and significant others, and other details are also discussed.
Dancers - the main ones are Dharmapalas, like Yama, Mahakala, Palden Lhamo, and Begtse Chen - names and faces that may become familiar to you. Other dancers, like Chisun and Songdong, will also be introduced along with a descriptive listing and explanation of the instruments and implements that these dancers carry ... and use!
Mahakala / The Great Black - is a special deity in the cham dance and this section will expand on his emanations or characterizations, including those of his First Minister named Ksetrapala!
Orchestra - a short description of cham dance orchestras, and the instruments that they use and play.
Cham Dance videos - taken at various cham dances in several monasteries. The videos enable many aspects of the dance, as previously described, to be seen and experienced as if you were there. Downloads in Asia might be slow.
Here is what you will find on this website:
History - told as a story might be recounted; highly anecdotal in nature. Historically, script and writing and printing were difficult in the days long, and not so long, ago. Most people were illiterate anyway and indeed many still are. It is difficult to educate nomads when it means taking children away from their families and their work responsibilities in the short time available to get to summer pastures or return before the winter season. Consequently, little had been recorded, and what was written down or published was often well intentioned but incorrect.
Masks / costumes - the main attraction of the cham dance to the foreign eye is the multitude and divergence of the colorful masks. This link examines how they are made, some of the masks seen most often, some details and meaning of items. Costumes worn by the dancers and significant others, and other details are also discussed.
Dancers - the main ones are Dharmapalas, like Yama, Mahakala, Palden Lhamo, and Begtse Chen - names and faces that may become familiar to you. Other dancers, like Chisun and Songdong, will also be introduced along with a descriptive listing and explanation of the instruments and implements that these dancers carry ... and use!
Mahakala / The Great Black - is a special deity in the cham dance and this section will expand on his emanations or characterizations, including those of his First Minister named Ksetrapala!
Orchestra - a short description of cham dance orchestras, and the instruments that they use and play.
Cham Dance videos - taken at various cham dances in several monasteries. The videos enable many aspects of the dance, as previously described, to be seen and experienced as if you were there. Downloads in Asia might be slow.
Rahula at Jangyung Khyung
Cham Books - introduces my three books, one which can be obtained through the Contact Me tab.
Cham Store - authentic items acquired during outings into the hinterlands.
About the author and webmaster - just a few words about myself, so you better understand some of my mind's interpretive limitations.
Contact Me - a page for your ideas, views and questions. Comments greatly appreciated. Information about obtaining a copy of 'Tibetan Cham Dancing - A Traveller's Guide' can also be requested.
** Come back to the site often as I am always adding new material and revising text as more information becomes available or apparent. **
O ma ni pad me hum.