A Cainiu – Inheritor of Lemo Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Lushui County, Diqing
Acainiu (阿才妞) is a member of the Bai Lemo people (白族勒墨人) from Baodeng Village (保登村) in Luobenzhuo Bai Ethnic Township (洛本卓白族乡), Lushui County (泸水县), Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州). Born in 1950, she belongs to a branch of the Bai ethnic group that resides in the Nujiang Grand Canyon (怒江大峡谷) and self-identifies as “Baini (白尼)”.
Mastery of Traditional Craftsmanship
At the age of 15, Acainiu (阿才妞) began learning to sew traditional Lemo women’s and men’s costumes from the elders in her village. Through years of learning and hands-on experience, she mastered the styles and sewing techniques of the Baini (白尼) people’s clothing, successfully inheriting and preserving these traditional skills. She has also actively passed them on to younger Baini women, helping them gain proficiency and ensuring the continuity of this cultural heritage.
Preserving Bai Lemo Costume Culture
Acainiu’s work in cultural transmission has not only protected the traditional costume culture of the Bai Lemo people but has also significantly contributed to the preservation of local culture and the strengthening of ethnic identity. As a bearer of the Bai Lemo costume-making techniques, she employs various methods to engage younger generations in learning this traditional art:
Integrating Modern Design Elements
When teaching traditional costume-making, Acainiu (阿才妞) emphasizes combining traditional elements with modern design. She simplifies traditional patterns and improves costume styles to better suit contemporary aesthetics and the fashion preferences of young people. For example, she blends traditional colors with trendy ones to create garments that are both culturally rich and visually appealing to modern tastes.
Conducting Hands-On Teaching Activities
Beyond teaching at home, Acainiu actively collaborates with schools and community organizations to conduct hands-on learning sessions. By offering live demonstrations and step-by-step instruction, she allows young people to experience the charm of traditional costume-making. This interactive approach sparks interest and provides a relaxed environment for learning.
Using Modern Communication Channels
Acainiu utilizes modern platforms such as social media and e-commerce to showcase the costume-making process and finished products of the Bai Lemo (白族勒墨) tradition. These platforms help her reach a broader audience and attract the interest of young people. She also shares cultural insights through interactions with tourists and students.
Developing Cultural and Creative Products
To further appeal to younger generations, Acainiu combines her traditional skills with the development of cultural and creative products. She creates practical and culturally inspired items like small pendants and keychains. These products not only have everyday use but also carry strong cultural symbolism, making them more accessible and appealing to young people.
Emphasizing the Importance of Cultural Heritage
During her teaching, Acainiu always stresses that the Bai Lemo costumes are not just garments but vital carriers of ethnic culture. By sharing the stories and cultural significance behind the clothing, she inspires a sense of identity and pride in young learners, motivating them to take initiative in learning the craft.
Through these methods, Acainiu has not only successfully attracted young people to learn the art of Bai Lemo costume-making but also revitalized this traditional skill with fresh energy for its ongoing development.
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