| Original Message: Tibetan Ceremonial Costumes - Exhibition in Dege, Karze Prefecture (King Gesar Festival, 2004) |
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Hello!
A different festival/region, a different thread. Please feel free to enjoy the photos, and share your thoughts on what you are see Please also bear in mind what I have gathered from reading as much as I can find about these costumes. I am not certain on the identities of the beads, I think you all can help me with that - but I am certain about the background of these photos. These are not mass produced pieces of plastic put on by people paid to entertain a busload of tourists. These photos are taken at exhibitions in the most major Tibetan festivals in their respective region. The festivals are put on by Tibetans for Tibetans, they are at most frequent annual (Litang and Yush). This festival in Dege appears to be less than annual, and the last time it was held was when these photos were taken (no later than 2004). The festivals are usually three to five day festivals, Tibetans come from far and wide to attend them. The main events are usually horse races. These ceremonial costumes shows are a major sub-event, as are dances, and religious ceremonies. Tibetans attending these festivals wear their finest robes and jewelry. Tragically, that used to include Tiger Skins and Leopard Skins until 2006 when the Dalai Lama implored Tibetans to stop. This festival was in 2004. You will see some Leopard and Tiger Skins, I am sorry if that upsets you. It upsets me. But at least the practice of selling and wearing these skins, from what I read, is mostly over now, certainly massively reduced. Now, for the beads and jewelry. Tibetans come to these festival in their finest clothes and jewelry, but these photos are not the normal festival-goers - they are a specially organised group by wealthy families from many regions, chosen because they the best costumes in their respective region (The participants hold up signs with the names of their village/town). Often, many members of a wealthy family pool their best ornaments, and elect one person (usually the most pretty/handsome daughter/son) to be decked out in all of it. Whether the coral and dzis are ancient or modern, real or authentic, and whether the gold is solid or plated, I leave to everyone to discuss. I will try and post as many bead closeups as I can find :) Best wishes Porshiebo All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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