Sumozhe suppressed, huntuo halted: An investigation into the nature and stakes of the cold-splashing Sogdian festal dramas performed in early eighth century Tang China
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2017
Abstract
This article investigates two specific dramatic elements-the huntuo and the sumozhe-at the core of the controversial "cold-splashing Sogdian plays" (pohan huxi. The huntuo could be a felt hat, an oilcloth, a pelt headdress, or a theatrical striptease. With deep multicultural roots, the sumozhe (samaja) combined masquerade, ambulatory drama, dance, and music into a boisterous spectacle. In addition to examining the high cultural stakes underlying the public performance and imperial support (or prohibition) of these plays in early eighth century Tang China, this essay proposes a link between these hibernal festal dramas and Turkish Köse plays.
Publication Title
Frontiers of History in China
Volume
12
Issue
2
First Page
262
Last Page
300
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.3868/s020-006-017-0013-2
ISSN
16733401
E-ISSN
16733525
Citation Information
Rothschild. (2017). Sumozhe Suppressed, Huntuo Halted: An Investigation into the Nature and Stakes of the Cold-Splashing Sogdian Festal Dramas Performed in Early Eighth Century Tang China. Frontiers of History in China, 12(2), 262–300. https://doi.org/10.3868/s020-006-017-0013-2