Notes » April 2004

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

The Chinese Lion Dance, dating to the Han Dynasty (205 B.C to 220 A.D.), is an important tradition in Chinese culture.

The dance is performed during Lunar New Year, as well as weddings and religious ceremonies, or to mark official celebrations and business or building openings. A skilled performance is said to bring happiness and good fortune.

View large image The lion comes to life through two dancers; one manipulates the head and becomes the forelegs, while the other creates the body, tail and hind legs.

The head is constructed of bamboo and papier-maché, making it strong but light. The operator can move the eyes, ears and mouth, which allows the lion to emote. Accompanied by loud music and firecrackers, the dance is a noisy spectacle.

Yet under museum lights, this lion appeared to be asleep.

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