Hmong Ritual Rattle 1

The Hmong healing ceremony, ua neeb (ua neng), is driven sonically by three metallic ritual instruments.  To the insistent pulse of the nruas neeb gong and the high-pitched jangling of the small tswb neeb ring rattles is added the thundering clanging of the txiab neeb (tsia neng), “spirit scissors.”  Indeed, the prototype of this fearsome iron sistrum is a pair of iron scissors with two “daggers” and two oversized handles, which later transformed into a single point and a large, single hoop.

In Hmong spiritual life, the hoop of the txiab neeb represents the shaman, through which pass nine (to twelve) torqued rings and eight (or nine) serrated discs, which symbolize the shaman’s “nine groups of infantry” and “eight groups of cavalry.”

The other end of the “spirit scissors” tapers into either a single knifepoint or double scissors-like tips. To emphasize the intimidating force of a txiab neeb, its tip may be marked with the copper eyes of a serpent. Red cloth ribbons are tied at the juncture of the sistrum and handle to demonstrate a shaman’s power and courage.

During a ua neeb healing ceremony, a Hmong shaman shakes and thrusts his txiab neeb, “spirit scissors,” in parallel motion to the tswb neeb ring rattles. Held in the shaman’s right hand, as if holding the reins of his horse, its rhythms emulate the horse’s lively gallop.

The txiab neeb has multiple symbolic purposes, determined by whether it is needed in the human or spirit world.  Its knifepoint is able to clear a path or to act as a menacing weapon. Its iron hoop can act as a lariat to catch souls, as a protective shield, or as a looking glass to see far and wide.

In the spirit world, the txiab neeb serves both as a means of protection and communication. As a result, a shaman shakes the txiab neeb with maximum energy, for the stronger the instrument’s vibrations, the more powerful his massive spirit army and, it follows, the more terrified the evil spirits.  Additionally, the txiab neeb acts as a divination tool, providing a conduit for transmitting messages between a shaman and spirits, as determined by the alignment of its rattles when it is tossed to the ground.

Recording
Ua neeb healing ceremony

Hu qhua neeb, “summoning shaman helper spirits,” sacred song, nruas neeb gong, txiab neeb ritual spirit scissors, and tswb neeb ritual ring rattles (Hmoob Dawb)

Rhiav Lis and Tsav Theeb Muas, Ban Nam La, Luang Nam Tha Province, Laos, July 2005

Ethnic Group: Hmoob Ntsuab (Hmong Njoua) – Blue Hmong

Local Name: Txiab neeb (tsia neng)

Type: Rattle (“spirit scissors”)

Class: Shaken Idiophone

Tuning:

Age: Circa 1940

Materials: Iron, copper, cotton

Dimensions:
29 x 21.5 x 6.5 cm / 11.4″ x 8.5″ x 2.5″

Location:
Ban Huay Kham
Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Owner:
This txiab neeb ritual rattle (“spirit scissors”), part of a full ritual shaman set, was passed to Hmong shaman Ba Ja (1908 – 1993, aged 85), from his father.  Ba Ja then passed the set on to his son Dong Pia, 64 years, who passed it to his son, Daw Paw, aged 41.

Catalog Number: 5492