The Brigands' song : serving in the army of a native chieftain : a traditional song text from Guangxi in Southern China /  translated and annotated by David Holm, Meng Yuanyao.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Introduction -- English translation -- Interlinear transcription -- Textual and ethnographic notes -- Appendix : song markets in Pingguo -- Glossary and concordance -- Chinese character index -- Index of vernacular characters and allographs -- Index of Zhuang characters and other symbols -- English-Zhuang index -- Index of scientific names of plants and animals -- Subject index -- Bibliography -- Plates : photo-reproduction of manuscript pages.

"This is an annotated edition of a traditional song text, written in the Zhuang character script. The Brigands' Song is part of a living tradition, sung antiphonally by two male and two female singers. The song is probably unique in presenting the experiences of ordinary men and women during wartime in pre-modern China. The narrative relates how the men are sent off to war, fighting as native troops on behalf of the Chinese imperial armies. The song dates from the Ming dynasty and touches on many topics of historical significance, such as the use of firearms and other operational details"-- Provided by publisher.

Note: Fwen caeg -- The Brigands' Song, 2022: ECIP introduction ("Fwen caeg, or the 'Brigands' Song';" Zhuang language song "linked to a remarkable ongoing social  practice, that of antiphonal song exchanges between men and women in traditional song festivals.")

Local access dig.pdf. [Holm-Meng-Brigands' song.pdf]