UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages in China (Ⅳ) (3)

Mongolian art of singing, Khoomei

The item, "Mongolian art of singing, Khoomei" was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

The Mongolian art of singing: Khoomei, or Hooliin Chor ('throat harmony'), is a style of singing in which a single performer produces a diversified harmony of multiple voice parts, including a continued bass element produced in the throat. These singers may perform alone or in groups.

Khoomei is practised today among Mongolian communities in several countries, especially in Inner Mongolia in northern China, western Mongolia and the Tuva Republic of Russia.

Traditionally performed on the occasion of ritual ceremonies, songs express respect and praise for the natural world, for the ancestors of the Mongolian people and for great heroes.

The form is reserved for special events and group activities such as horse races, archery and wrestling tournaments, large banquets and sacrificial rituals. The timing and order of songs is often strictly regulated.