Distinctive Culture of Lo Lo Bronze Drum

11:05:38 AM | 12/11/2014

Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark has become widely known among domestic and international tourists for its rock landscape geological heritage, dating back hundreds of millions of years. This place also attracts tourists to discover and learn how people can survive here on this extremely harsh rock world.
 
The cultural identity of the Lo Lo people stands out among the unique cultural characteristics of indigenous peoples on this karst plateau.
 
As one of 22 ethnic groups on this northernmost frontier of Vietnam, the Lo Lo people in Ha Giang have nearly 4,000 members residing in Lung Cu, Lung Tao and Sung Tra communes (Dong Van district) and Phung Thuong and Xin Cai communes (Meo Vac district). The Lo Lo are a small minority in Vietnam, but have a very long history and a brilliant cultural tradition. Lo Lo culture is unique, particularly with their bronze drums - a typical traditional instrument passed from generation to generation.
 
Lo Lo bronze drums are usually 37 cm high and 61 cm wide in diameter and stand on a 56-cm high stand. The drum features opening tambours, narrowed barrel, slanting stand, and two pairs of symmetrical handlers. The drumhead also features a 12-wing star pattern and other motifs such as centripetal parallel lines, circular dots and stylised human figures.
 
According to researchers, drumhead patterns look similar to patterns on traditional costumes of Lo Lo ethnic group. Another difference between Lo Lo bronze drums from others is circular perforations on the drumhead.
 
According to the Lo Lo elders, the drum is a symbol of the universe and the human, and is divine in both shape and sound. Originated from the perception that the Heaven is Father and the Earth is Mother, Lo Lo people see the Sun as the centre of the universe. The circular pattern on the drumhead is the sun and the surrounding patterns are the stars.
 
In the old days, each Lo Lo family usually had a drum set used in funerals and new-year dances. Each set consists of two drums: Male and female. The female drum is always bigger than the male. The Lo Lo people use different drums for different events.
 
Before using the drums, the head of the family must perform an ancestral worship ceremony for permission. They usually use a pair of drums and the male and female are hung opposite. Drumsticks are roots similar to banana roots, as they do not harm the drumhead when they are beaten. The drumbeat keeps the dance of Lo Lo people.
 
Lo Lo group has 36 figures of drum rhythm. The echoes of drumbeats go into their emotion, into their customs and even in their folksongs. Drum players must be selected by the family and the chosen ones must be healthy and strong. They are preferred to be unmarried, but if they are married, their wives must not be pregnant during drumming events. After each event, drums are buried with the face down.
 
Vang Di Gai, head of Lo Lo Chai village, Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, said Lo Lo Chai village once had a lot of drums but now has only two left, made thousands of years ago. That is a pair of drums, a male and a female, kept by Vang Di Chanh, 47, and Vang Di Khuon, 48. The drums are carefully kept by the villagers and only used in funerals and festivals. The drum stand has mostly worn out, though its patterns are still very clear.
 
Thanh Nga