Lion Head
Lion
Head
Master Tan
About Lion Head
The lion head is the centerpiece of every lion dance, bringing the lion’s spirit and expression to life. Lion heads are typically divided into two regional styles: northern and southern, each with distinct features. The Qi Ling (麒麟) lion is from the northern region, while the southern region’s styles include the Foshan (佛山狮) and Heshan (鹤山狮) lions. As the names suggest, these lion heads come from Foshan and Heshan, two cities in Guangdong province. You can distinguish the Foshan and Heshan lion heads by their mouth shapes and horns; the one featured in this website is a classic Foshan lion. An interesting detail is that southern lion heads are exclusively male, while northern lion heads appear in pairs—green for the female and red for the male.
Traditionally, lion heads were made in three colors: red, yellow, and black, each representing a legendary character from Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义), the iconic 14th-century novel. Red symbolizes Guan Yu (关羽), yellow represents Liu Bei (刘备), and black embodies Zhang Fei (张飞). Some lion heads also come in blue, black, or white and are used specifically for funeral ceremonies. Today, with the growing demand for lion dance performances, the designs and colors have become more varied and vibrant. Modern lion heads are crafted for various purposes, such as acrobatic performances, traditional ceremonial lion dances, and events like Chinese New Year, birthdays, and business blessings.
The process of making a lion head is intricate and time-consuming. A skilled master typically needs about a week to complete a refined piece. Traditionally, the lion head frame was crafted from rattan, but bamboo gradually replaced it due to its durability and solid foundation, providing better support during performances. Craftsmen approach lion head-making with great respect and patience, as it is surrounded by superstition. They avoid negative words or actions, believing that disrespect will bring misfortune. Master Chan, a veteran (but have retired since 2021) craftsman, once experienced this ‘punishment’ firsthand; after losing patience during the process, he developed red, swollen eyes, which he remedied through a prayer ceremony at a temple.
Today, many prefer to order lion heads from China, where they cost only a few hundred ringgit compared to locally crafted ones, which can cost several thousand. This price gap has made it difficult for local craftsmen in Ipoh to compete, leading to a decline in the craft. As lion head-making dwindles, so does the snowball effect on other essential elements like the making of lion dance costumes and the drums, contributing to the slow disappearance of handcrafting on these products.
“It is a matter of safeguarding both the artistry and the wisdom embedded within the craft”
- Master Tan
Process of making Lion Heads
STEP 1: TYING THE FRAME (扎)
The first step in constructing the lion head involves tying 13 bamboo sticks at one-inch intervals. These sticks are tied from the center outward to form the left and right sides of the frame. A special type of bamboo paper (砂纸), imported from China, is used throughout this process to create the lion’s durable base.
STEP 2: LAYERING WITH BAMBOO PAPER（擈砂)
Once the frame is complete, bamboo paper is layered onto the structure to create the lion’s form. This requires three layers to build a strong, sturdy base. Each layer must dry completely before the next one is applied, demanding patience and precision. The final layer is crucial—it requires a skilled touch to ensure a smooth finish, as any imperfections could impact the painting process and the overall quality of the lion head.
STEP 3: PAINTING (绘画)
Once the layers are dry, it’s time to bring the lion to life with paint. The patterns, colours, and expressions on the lion head reflect the craftsman’s creativity and often carry a touch of their personality or mood. As each lion head is hand-painted, every piece is distinct, making each one unique in its appearance.
STEP 4: DECORATION (装)
In the final step, decorative elements are added to refine and complete the lion head. Accessories such as tassels, eyelashes, fur balls, and the central mirror give the lion its character. The fur, typically sourced from rabbits or sheep. Once finished, the lion is ready to be “awakened” through the consecration ceremony (点睛), bringing it fully to “life”.
