Introduction to Shibi: In the religious culture of the Qiang people, there is a special kind of clergy called Shibi. As mortals, they can communicate with gods. Their task is to speak for people in front of the gods and ensure that people can live their lives safely. In the life of the Qiang people, Shibi is inseparable from any major event. All worshiping gods, suppressing evil spirits, curing diseases, providing relief to the poor, as well as coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings and funerals are all arranged by Shibi.
At large gatherings held throughout the village, Shibi not only has to assume the role of priest, but also sings myths, legends and narrative poems related to the ancient culture and historical origins of the Qiang people. The difference between Shibi and ordinary people is that he has super high "magic". Wearing monkey skin hats and holding sheepskin drums, they chant scriptures and complete mysterious rituals. Sometimes they would also display stunts such as wrapping a red-hot balm around their necks, removing old copper coins from a boiling oil pot, licking a red-hot sickle with their tongues during rituals, to demonstrate their power to drive away evil and illness.
The ancient Shibi culture is the core content of Qiang national culture. All Shibi classics are passed down through oral transmission from generation to generation. Today, fewer and fewer Shibi can complete these mysterious rituals, and Shibi culture has been listed as a world intangible cultural heritage.