History of Miao nationality's great suona musical instruments

Miao suona is one of the intangible cultural heritages in Sichuan Province. Made of wood, the upper part is thin and the lower part is thick, and the lowest port part expands around to make a sound or tune properly.

According to legend, this kind of big suona was introduced into the Miao area of Sichuan in the Qing Dynasty, which was improved and developed by Miao artists. More than 200 years ago, there was a traditional Chinese opera artist named Jin Banzhang, who transformed the soprano suona popular in the south into a alto suona. Later, on the basis of soprano suona, the size of each part was lengthened and enlarged in proportion, and then it was made into a big suona that is now loved by Miao people in Sichuan and Yunnan. Its shape is the same as that of the suona in the Han area, but its shape is huge and its tone is rich. It is often used in folk percussion ensemble and is a unique bass instrument.

It has a long history. In ancient times, suona was used in military activities and was the main musical instrument in the army. During the Three Kingdoms Period of Korea (1 century to the 7th century), it has spread to the court and the people, and it is one of the "Tangbu" instruments in the three major music departments of the court. Folk use it during the slack season or the bumper harvest in Qingfeng-xiangguang fracture. They can entertain themselves and sing solo, or accompany songs and dances. In ancient times, Taiping Xiao was made of hard jujube or pear wood, which was tapered and looked like bamboo. There is a sound hole in the middle of each section, eight sections and eight holes, and the lower end of the tube is connected with a copper bell mouth.