Cloth Horse Formation (布馬陣)
Originated from Raozhou in China’s Jiangxi Province, the Cloth Horse Formation first spread to Raoping in the same province and was later introduced to Raoping Hakka Village in Zhongli district of Taoyuan City in Taiwan. The biggest feature of Cloth Horse Formations is "speaking in songs and narrating in dance." The movements are based on imitating movement of horses. The performers’ dexterous figure, funny expressions, and exaggerated movements also show the effect and joy of the drama. Coupled with the instrumental accompaniment, it’s an indispensable performance of folk festivals.
In Taiwan, the Cloth Horse Formation was originally a folk dance popular during the early days when farmers had some leisure time. In the Hakka language, it’s called “Pulling the Cloth Horse.” Some people also call it “the Champion Scholar’s Prayer,” “Riding the Cloth Horse,” and “Walking the Cloth Horse.” The impromptu composition is also closely related to the experience of real life. It is the spiritual sustenance of rural life and a precious cultural and artistic heritage.
In the earliest records of Taiwan’s Cloth Horse Formation, the book “Taiwan’s Historical Notes (臺灣歷史札記)” once mentioned that in the 18th year of Qing Dynasty Emperor Shunzhi’s rule, when Ho Bin (何斌) and other lords took advantage of everyone being distracted by performances of "Bamboo Horse Play (竹馬戲)" during the celebration of the Lantern Festival at night, and escaped the Dutch-ruled Taiwan to Chinese Province of Fujian and met Ming loyalist Zheng Cheng-gong, who eventually defeated the Dutch and ruled Taiwan later on.
The cloth horse is made with bamboo bent to form the shape of a horse. The bamboo frame is covered with cloth and then the horse's head is painted. It is divided into two parts, which are tied to the front and back of the performer’s waist. They are traditionally called the Cloth Horse Formation. With the changes in the times, most of the props are now made from fiberglass or plastic materials. Most of the Cloth Horse Formation dramas performed nowadays are in the form of funny performances such as "The Champion Scholar Parading on the Street,” "The Stupid County Magistrate Goes on Patrol," and "Riding the Horse to Visit Relatives." Others, such as "Stranded in the Pond", "Washing Horses," "Getting Seven Inches" and "Passing Bridges," are based on juggling and stunts, and all rely on solid martial arts skills as a basis.
Cloth Horse Formations are made up of a small array of four or five people, a medium-size array of eight or nine people, or a large array of 10 to 20 people. Regardless of whether it’s a big squad or small squad, the formations are typically led in the front by musicians playing instruments such as the small cymbals, small drums, big cymbals and suona wind instrument. The main roles are the "Champion Scholar" and accompanying "Horse Boy (Attendant)."
The “Zhuangyuan (champion scholar)”or the “Xian Tai Ye (county magistrate)” wear a cloth horse that is dressed in a red official gown and made of a bamboo and rattan structure. It is painted after paper and cloth is put on the framework. The horse is cut into two sections with a frame that can be placed over the champion's shoulder. The first half of the horse is in the front of the "riding horse" champion, and the tail is in the back. The horse’s four legs sway with the movement of the champion’s two legs.
Under the great assistance and support of local people, schools and the government, it can be said that the Cloth Horse Formations of Raoping’s Hakka people have made a big comeback in popularity. Cloth Horse Formations reflect the religious function and entertainment significance of this form of folk martial arts in the lives of the people. It is currently registered as a traditional art by the Yilan County Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau.