Liang Zhenggong - "Bumo" Master of Zhuang Sacrificial Rites in Guangnan County, Wenshan 

Liang Zhenggong is a "Bumo" (布摩, meaning “priest” or “shaman”) of the Zhuang ethnic group in Nasai Town (那洒镇), Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州). He is one of the important inheritors of Zhuang cultural traditions in the region. Zhuang "Bumo" play a crucial role in the community, serving not only as spiritual leaders for various rituals but also as guardians of traditional Zhuang culture.

Cultural Significance of Zhuang "Bumo"

Ritual Leaders

Zhuang "Bumo" play a central role in conducting rituals. Through specific ceremonies and chants, they pray for divine protection, peace, and prosperity for their communities.

Cultural Custodians

In addition to religious ceremonies, "Bumo" are responsible for preserving and passing down Zhuang history, mythology, ballads, and traditional crafts. They serve as vital custodians of the Zhuang cultural heritage.

Zhuang Culture in Guangnan County

Guangnan County (广南县) is one of the cradles of Zhuang culture, with a high concentration of Zhuang population. It is home to several subgroups of the Zhuang, including the Sha (沙) subgroup to which the "Bumo" belong. The Zhuang culture in this region is vibrant and diverse, encompassing Zhuang opera, rituals, traditional clothing, and more.

Contributions of Liang Zhenggong

As a "Bumo" in Nasai Town (那洒镇), Liang Zhenggong plays a vital role in both local spiritual life and cultural heritage. He actively hosts rituals and teaches younger generations about traditional Zhuang customs and beliefs, thus ensuring the continuity and vitality of Zhuang culture.

Liang Zhenggong is not only a cultural symbol of Nasai Town (那洒镇) but also an important representative of the Zhuang heritage throughout Guangnan County (广南县).

Cultural Activities Involving Liang Zhenggong

Background

Liang Zhenggong, male, of the Zhuang ethnic group, was born in 1949 in Guima Village (贵马村), Nasai Town (那洒镇), Guangnan County (广南县), Yunnan Province (云南省). He is a well-known "Bumo" (布摩) and a provincial-level inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project: Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞) of the Zhuang and Yi peoples in Wenshan (文山壮族、彝族铜鼓舞). As the 13th-generation inheritor of the dance, Liang has mastered all 12 foundational sets of movements and choreography.

Participation in Cultural Activities

Ritual Leadership

Since 1982, Liang has hosted ritual ceremonies for the local Zhuang community and was eventually elected by villagers to lead major community rituals. He is respectfully known as "Mr. Liang" (梁老先生). He is proficient in Zhuang script and can perform rituals in the Sha (沙), Nong (侬), and Han (汉) languages. His responsibilities include fortune-telling, selecting auspicious burial sites, and conducting weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies, including those dedicated to mountains, rivers, harvests, and local deities.

Inheriting and Performing the Bronze Drum Dance

Liang Zhenggong actively organizes performances of the Bronze Drum Dance. He has sparked interest among the youth to learn this heritage dance and documented all 12 sets of movements. His style is characterized by steady, rhythmic, and expressive movements that harmonize seamlessly with the beat of the bronze drum.

Cultural Transmission in Schools

In 2012, Liang took the initiative to begin teaching Bronze Drum Dance in local schools. He conducts regular weekly sessions, giving the dance a sustainable platform for transmission. He also took part in the “Intangible Cultural Heritage into Campus” event held at Guangnan County's No. 1 Primary School (广南县城区第一小学) in 2020. Witnessing students perform the Zhuang dance, he expressed pride and commitment to training the next generation.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival

On September 20, 2023, Guima Village (贵马村) in Nasai Town (那洒镇) hosted the first “Charming Intangible Heritage, Vibrant Nasai” festival. Liang participated in the event and showcased the Bronze Drum Dance and other outstanding folk art performances.

Liang Zhenggong, through his active engagement and leadership in various cultural initiatives, has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Zhuang traditional culture. His work has enhanced local cultural recognition and made significant contributions to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

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