China will publish a series of Han language books on "ulabun," a type of Manchu folk art by talking and singing, which is on the brink of extinction.

"The 10-volume "ulabun", with 1.5 million Chinese characters, will come out soon," said Gu Changchun, who is in charge of saving and sorting of the "ulabun".

The "ulabun" is popular among the Manchu Nationality. In old days, the venerable elders of a Manchu tribe performed the "ulabun" at spare time, holidays and worship ceremonies.

The performance used to be played in Manchu language, but nowadays it is often played in Han language when the Manchu language has died out.

"The "ulabun" dates back to remote antiquity. It was not only a pastime, but a form of clan education of religious nature. As itis strictly in accordance with historical facts, it plays a role of making up or even correcting the history," said Fu Yuguang, an ulabun master.

Wu Bing'an, a folklorist of Liaoning University, described "ulabun" as "the oldest form of Manchu cultural in the tribal society."

However, this type of oral performance lacks written records. In addition, The Manchu culture had been suppressed after the Qing Dynasty collapsed in 1911. Therefore, This type of art is dying out with only over 10 maters alive across China.

"When the production and social environment has changed, the form of clan education is outdated. So the "ulabun" could not been passed down, except for public shows, " Fu said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2005)