a-che-lha-mo
Quick Summary
The a-che-lha-mo are Buddhist morality plays originating from Tibet. These plays are didactic, meaning they are intended to teach moral lessons, and are often based on the lives of legendary figures, historical persons, or Buddhist canonical literature.1
The plays typically depict mythical heroes overcoming evil, reinforcing Buddhist virtues. They are characterized by elaborate costumes and masks that reveal the characters' ethnic origins and moral qualities. While some scholars suggest Indian theatrical influences, Tibetan tradition attributes the origin of a-che-lha-mo to Thang-stong rgyal-po, a 15th-century bridge builder. The plays evolved from early performances possibly intended to entertain or divert attention from demons, into a popular art form that dramatized religious teachings.1
A-che-lha-mo troupes, consisting of lay performers, often travel to present their plays, which can last for more than a day and incorporate narrative recitation, songs, and comic interludes.1
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Central Asian artsPerforming arts: dance and theatre…the Buddhist morality plays, called a-che-lha-mo (“older sister goddess”), were accompanied by a variety of instruments, especially drums and horns. There were large and small drums, short horns with fingering holes, and long horns, particularly the dung-chen (great conch shell) made of brass and extending many feet. The dung-chen with…
Read More…the Buddhist morality plays, called a-che-lha-mo (“older sister goddess”), were accompanied by a variety of instruments, especially drums and horns. There were large and small drums, short horns with fingering holes, and long horns, particularly the dung-chen (great conch shell) made of brass and extending many feet. The dung-chen with…
Read More- Central Asian artsBuddhist morality plays
…the Buddhist morality play, called a-che-lha-mo. The plays are based on the lives of legendary and historical figures, and through costume and masks the ethnic origin and ethical character of the players are revealed. Folktales, as well as historical and Buddhist canonical literature, are sources for the stories presented in…
Read More…the Buddhist morality play, called a-che-lha-mo. The plays are based on the lives of legendary and historical figures, and through costume and masks the ethnic origin and ethical character of the players are revealed. Folktales, as well as historical and Buddhist canonical literature, are sources for the stories presented in…
Read More