Cowhide Boats: A Glimpse into History

In Tibetan, known as “Guowa,” commonly referred to as “Cowhide Rafts,” cowhide boats trace their origins back to the Tubo period, with early depictions found in murals at the Potala Palace and Samye Monastery. Constructed simply with a wooden frame and cowhide for the body, these boats are made by stretching and stitching together four raw yak hides over a frame of wood or willow, then tightened, dried, oiled, and sealed with yak or sheep fat at the seams.

Typically, these boats are 3 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 1 meter high, capable of carrying over ten people in the larger versions or 3-5 people in the smaller ones. With the cargo at the bottom and passengers sitting along the sides, a single person paddles these sturdy, collision-resistant boats, which glide swiftly downstream like a bird in flight. Primarily used for fishing and crossing rivers, these lightweight boats, weighing between 30 to 40 kilograms, can be easily transported on shoulders, making them an indispensable tool for the villagers.

Cowhide Boat Dance: A National Treasure

Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, the Cowhide Boat Dance, or “Guozi” in Tibetan (“Guo” meaning cowhide boat and “Zi” meaning dance), is a unique folk dance of Junba Fishing Village. The dance features performers singing and dancing the “Are” and boatmen carrying cowhide boats, creating rhythms by striking the boats. This powerful and rustic dance consists of four parts, starting with a narrative introduction by the “Are,” followed by the “Zhungzi” (yak dance), then “Picking up Hada,” and concluding with the singing of the “Blessing Song,” which wishes health and frequent meetings for the community.

The sound of the dance is distinct, produced by boatmen holding the boats with both hands while a boat paddle passes through the waist and back, striking a wooden pulley to emit a “dong dong” sound. This sound, unique to the “Guoxie” dance, reflects the fierce struggle between man and nature. The dancers’ steps and movements, including “knee trembling,” embody the characteristics of the “Plateau Boat” – the yak. The entire dance is both graceful and vigorous, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of Junba.

Marriage Customs: Love in Freedom

Junba Fishing Village boasts peculiar marriage customs. In Tibet, festivals and picnics provide opportunities for young people to express love, but in Junba, relationships and marriages are entirely up to the individuals without parental or family interference. After a couple decides to marry, representatives from both families negotiate three times, finalizing the wedding date during the third meeting.

On the wedding day, the families prepare thoroughly, hanging colorful prayer flags early in the morning and seeking blessings for the couple’s happiness and safety from the local “Gongka” temple. The household courtyard is adorned with symbols of happiness and good fortune, such as “Dadar,” “Chemar,” “Hada,” and “Five Grains,” eagerly awaiting the bride’s arrival.

The groom’s family sets up three welcoming points along the bride’s path to show their respect, offering drinks and presenting Hada. As the “flower sedan” (usually a hand-held tractor) arrives at the groom’s doorstep, the bride’s representatives sing traditional songs praising the bride’s virtues before entering the house. Inside, they sing praises for the house’s beams, pillars, cabinets, and even the rooftop prayer flags, while the groom’s family presents gifts and hosts a lavish feast to show their gratitude. The ceremony is filled with blessings, advice, and wisdom shared with the couple by friends and elders, making the wedding a profound and joyful celebration.

Junba Fishing Village, with its unique traditions, stands as a vibrant testament to Tibet’s rich cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore and experience its timeless customs and practices.

Visit Junba Fishing Village: A Unique Cultural Gem in Tibet

Easy Access to Junba Village

Junba Village is conveniently located about 50 kilometers from Lhasa city center and just 3 kilometers from Qushui County town, making it easily accessible. For those driving from Lhasa, take the airport expressway and exit at the Junba junction, turn right for 100 meters to reach Junba Fish Restaurant, and continue for about 10 kilometers to reach the village. Cyclists can take National Highway 219 from Lhasa, turn left at Qushui Bridge, pass Junba Fish Restaurant, and ride for another 10 kilometers. The roads, including highways and asphalt surfaces, are in excellent condition.

The Last of Its Kind

Junba Village stands as the only Tibetan village where generations have lived by fishing. It preserves the region’s unique and ancient Tibetan fishing culture, from which the distinctive cowhide boat dance has emerged. Once accessible only by cowhide boats across the Lhasa River, the construction of bridges has ended the village’s isolation, transforming Junba into an intriguing tourist destination.

A Tradition of Craftsmanship

Approximately 70% of families in Junba Village engage in traditional crafts, operating small family workshops to create cowhide boats, barley flour bags, and tea bags, among other leather goods. The “Xasongma” (leather boots) worn by high-ranking monks and the “Damaru” (drum) often made from fish skin are crafted by villagers. Leveraging their unique cultural heritage and craftsmanship, villagers have formed the “Junba Fishing Village Leather Processing Cooperative,” producing handmade crafts, decorations, and household items that reflect the rich Tibetan culture. In 2010, Junba’s leather crafting skills were recognized as a regional intangible cultural heritage.

Culinary Delights

Junba Village is famous for its fish sauce, a culinary masterpiece. Fishermen prepare the sauce by deboning and mincing large fish, then mixing it with salt, chili, and green onions. The vibrant red color and tempting flavor offer a memorable tasting experience for visitors. In 2010, the culinary art of cooking Junba fish was listed as a regional intangible cultural heritage, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

Junba Fishing Village, with its rich fishing culture, traditional crafts, and unique culinary practices, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Tibet’s unique cultural heritage, promising an enriching and unforgettable experience.