Shibi—the Soul of Qiang Culture

Divining Rod and Sheepskin Drum (Source: http://www.chinesefolklore.com)

According to historical documents, Shibi living in the Minjiang River Valley set up “Ji Zu Zong Tan (a sacrificial site)” (now located at Heming Mountain, Dayi County) in the Spring and Autumn Period (770—476BC). On the first day of the tenth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, Shibi from the northwest Sichuan Province would get together to hold grand ceremonies to worship ancestors. The Qiang people set up local altars in various places, for example, the temple in front of the mountain in Baduo Village, Longxi Township, Wenchuan County.

Importance of Shibi

Sheepskin Drum Dance (Source: http://www.phoer.net)

Shibi masters religious scriptures and has a good stock of knowledge in science and technology, medicine, art, music and dance. As they can link gods, human beings and spirits and inherit the Qiang history and culture, they are greatly respected by the Qiang people. Shibi takes three main roles: wizards, witch doctors and dancers.