Ang Junkui – Inheritor of Yi Folk Arts and Crafts in Mile County, Honghe 

Ang Junkui – Inheritor of Yi Folk Arts and Crafts in Mile County, Honghe

Personal Experience

• Early Life and Learning: Born in 1957, Ang Junku started learning to make traditional Yi ethnic musical instruments such as the big three-string, small three-string, three-stringed fiddle, and flute after graduating from middle school and working as a farmer. At the age of 25, he began studying under Yi ethnic teachers.
• Skill Development: In addition to mastering musical instrument making, Ang Junku also learned the craft of building traditional rural earthen structures and studied the art of making animal-shaped dough sculptures (e.g., lions, oxen, deer, elephants, and horses) used in Yi ethnic sacrificial rituals. His dedication and hard work quickly elevated his skills, earning him high regard among the local Yi community.
• Contributions to Tradition: Ang Junku has made hundreds of big three-string instruments for the local cultural center and produced various smaller musical instruments for his village. His expertise in animal dough sculptures and his ability to design over 20 traditional earthen houses for local farmers have made him a versatile and respected folk artist in the Yi community.

Craft Features

• Musical Instrument Making: Ang Junku’s craftsmanship in making musical instruments is exceptional. His instruments, such as the big three-string and small three-string, are not only of high sound quality but also beautifully crafted. These instruments play a vital role in local folk activities and contribute significantly to preserving Yi ethnic musical culture.
• Dough Sculpture Art: His dough sculptures are lifelike and artistically valuable, often used in Yi ethnic sacrificial rituals. These works reflect rich cultural significance and are an essential part of Yi traditions.

Legacy and Recognition

• Position as a Heritage Bearer: Ang Junku is a key inheritor of Yi ethnic folk crafts in Xisan Township, Mile County. His work has had a wide-reaching impact within the local Yi community, playing a critical role in preserving and promoting Yi folk traditions.
• Awards and Honors: In 2017, Ang Junku was recognized as a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Honghe Prefecture, specializing in dough sculpture and traditional musical instrument making. This honor acknowledges both his skills and his contributions to the preservation of Yi ethnic crafts.

Current Status and Influence

• Continuing Legacy: Ang Junku actively engages in passing down his skills by teaching apprentices and participating in cultural activities. He strives to cultivate a new generation of Yi folk craftsmen, injecting fresh vitality into the preservation and development of Yi culture.
• Cultural Impact: His works and craftsmanship have not only gained recognition in Xisan Township but have also had a positive influence beyond the region. They showcase the unique charm of Yi folk crafts and play an important role in promoting and preserving the excellent traditional culture of the Yi people.