Naxi ethnic minority group
(naxi zu)

Population: 277,800

Major area of distribution: Yunnan and Sichuan

Language: Naxi

Religion: Dongba and Lamaism


The Sugudu Musical Instrument of Naxi Ethnic People

Sugudu, a traditional musical instrument of Naxi ethnic group, is popular in Lijiang and neighboring regions in Yunnan Province. It is mainly used in playing "White Sand Elegant Music", a traditional Naxi music.

Sugudu is originally named huobusi. The name huobusi is a transliteration of the Turkish term, which was previously mentioned in literature in Muslim script during the Tang Dynasty. The instrument was adapted from ancient Egyptian stringed instruments and introduced to ancient Persia by a king. In the 13th century, it was introduced to and adopted by the Naxi tribe through the Mongols.

Today, the Naxi musicians still wear Mongolian costumes when playing Sugudu.

The Sugudu is made of red sandalwood or walnut wood, with a straight neck, a small groove, a round body like half of a guard, and has a leather surface and four strings.