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Costume The lion heads take hours to construct. First, a frame is made from bamboo and wood. Then, paper mache is used to cover the frame. A thin cloth is added between layers of paper mache for extra strength. After the paper mache is dried, paint is applied in colorful patterns. A clear glossy coat is applied which also adds strength. Finally, the eyes, ears, fur, and other decorations are applied to finish the head. Before a head is used it must first have its eyes opened in a ceremony called Hoi Gong. For realism, the heads have moving mouth, eyes, and ears. There are several different types of heads, weighing as much as 35 pounds. However, movement is less about strenght than cooridination and timing. First off, the Northern and Southern heads and constumes are different. The Northern lion looks more like a real lion, with fur all over the body and a more anatomically correct head. The performers often wear leggings that add to the realism. The Southern lion head is more ornate and fancy. The body and tail is made of silk and has almost no fur. The best heads can be purchased for $1000 to $800 from Hong Kong or Malaysia. For about $500, heads can be purchased from fut shan (Buddha Moutnain in Gongdont), but they only last for a few performances. Aside from the fut shan style head, there is the hok shan style that has more room inside because of a protruding nose and mouth. |
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