Cixian Yagu

Cixian Yagu

Cixian Yagu is an intangible cultural heritage of Hebei Province.

　　Handan’s Cixian County is located in the southern part of Hebei Province. With fertile land, abundant resources, and convenient transportation, it has long been a strategic military location. As far back as over 6,000 years ago during the Yangshao Culture period, humans inhabited this area. To this day, historical sites remain, including the Shangqiuyuan ruins from the Shang Dynasty, the Jiawu City from the Warring States Period, ancient tomb clusters from the Eastern Wei and Northern and Southern Dynasties, and the Cizhou Kiln ruins from the Song and Yuan dynasties. Historical records indicate that Yagu originated during the Song Dynasty. However, unearthed artifacts such as “drum-beating figurines” from ancient tombs in Cixian prove that Yagu in Cixian actually dates back to the Eastern Wei of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. From the late Qing Dynasty to the 1940s, it spread across southern Hebei and northern Henan, especially flourishing in Cixian.

　　Yagu, also pronounced as “Yagu” or “Yagu,” is a remnant of folk dance from the Song Dynasty (Chinese Opera and Quyi Dictionary, p.18). In folklore, “Yagu” has three meanings: first, the musical instrument itself; second, the rhythm or tune (musical piece); and third, the ensemble or band. When referring to the band, it is called “those who play Yagu.” Cixian Yagu is truly a vibrant and colorful treasure of folk art, belonging to both folk dance and percussion music. It originated from battlefield morale-boosting practices in ancient times, later evolving into a form of court entertainment. After spreading to the public, its thunderous and lightning-like momentum was used for rain prayers and celebrations, eventually developing into a unique form of folk entertainment.

　　The Cixian Yagu drum has a diameter of 48 centimeters and a thickness of about 20 centimeters. During performances, the drum is hung in front of the chest and played with two drumsticks. The performance style is quite flexible—it can be played solo, in duets, or by a group. The drumbeats are powerful and intense, like galloping horses or flashes of thunder and lightning, stirring excitement. Originally, there were 72 Yagu musical pieces, but today around twenty are preserved.

　　Cixian Yagu can be performed alone or together with “Pao Zhuizi.” According to the Book of Wei, the “Curtain Scores” of Houwanzhang Village in Cixian document 23 battle formations such as the Eight Trigrams Formation, Nine-Curve Loop, Ambush from Ten Sides, Iron Dragon Formation, Four-Gate Earth Battle, and One-Line Serpent. These mainly feature military display ceremonies and combat performances, using the Yagu drum as the main instrument.

　　In the early years after liberation, every village in Cixian had a Yagu troupe for rain prayers. After the establishment of the People’s Republic, the Yagu team of Xingren Street in Cixian engaged in various recreational activities, performing during events such as sending off new soldiers, welcoming guests, and celebrating Chinese New Year. During the Cultural Revolution, Yagu performances were banned, but they resurged after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee. Due to various influencing factors, Yagu performances in Cixian have become increasingly rare and are now on the verge of being lost.