Da Nao (Pinyin: Dà náo) is an ancient Chinese bronze percussion instrument with a huge shape. A large cymbal in the late Shang Dynasty was unearthed in Hunan, with a height of 103.5 centimeters and a weight of more than 200 kilograms. When it reaches the trapezoid shape, the body has a large animal face pattern, and a handle is placed under the body.
The big cymbal with animal face pattern, the big cymbal with animal face pattern in the Palace Museum is a relic of the Shang Dynasty. The preservation is basically intact, and the bottom of the handle of the big cymbal is slightly damaged. The section of the cavity is elliptical, the two milling sharp corners are extravagant, and the mouth edge is slightly concave and arc-shaped. Wuping, the handle is cylindrical, and the hollow is connected with the cavity. The body of the vessel is exquisitely decorated, the drum and dance are decorated with cloud and thunder patterns, the abdomen is decorated with a large animal face pattern composed of deep convex carved cloud patterns, and the handle is light and without patterns. The overall height is 67.1, and the Yong length is 25.0 cm. Weighs 82.5 kg.
When the cymbal is in use, the mouth is turned to the sky, the handle is placed on the dry seat, and the side is tapped, the sound is strong and empty, and melodious for a long time. It is not only used for sacrifice but also for military use. If you hit the altar, you can go up to the sky through the opening mouth, echoing the heaven and earth, and praying for the blessing of the gods, the country and the people. , to deter the enemy.
In Peking Opera, it may be used to represent the sound of huge waves, such as "Sizhou City", "Yandang Mountain" and other water battles; or it is used to sound like wind. It is often used in Zhuang Opera, Gui Opera, Yong Opera and other local drama bands, Shigong bands, Taogong bands and folk wind and percussion bands, and in the lion and dragon dances of folk entertainment activities, the dazao is an indispensable accompaniment instrument. Hit different rhythms with the lion gong to cheer up the joyful dancers.