Bamboo Wares of Dai Ethnic Minority in Mangshi of Dehong

The bamboo weaving craft of the Dai ethnic group (傣族) is a traditional form of craftsmanship with a long history, known for its ancient style, beauty, and practicality. The Dai people have passed down their bamboo weaving skills through generations, and it is distinctly characterized by the ethnic traits of the Dai culture. Dai villages are often nestled in lush green bamboo forests, where bamboo houses and various bamboo utensils are commonly used. The Dai people have a deep affection for bamboo and are skilled in the art of bamboo weaving.

Features

The bamboo weaving craft of the Dai ethnic group is a fine example of ethnic craftsmanship, distinguished by its intricate designs and rich cultural elements.

Bamboo Weaving Craft

Since ancient times, the Dai people have had an inseparable bond with bamboo. They love bamboo, use bamboo, and are highly skilled in bamboo weaving. Dai villages are surrounded by bamboo forests, where people live in bamboo houses and use a variety of bamboo utensils. From large furniture like beds, tables, and cabinets to smaller items such as hats, boxes, baskets, and containers, bamboo weaving is an integral part of daily life. The Dai people seem to live in a world made entirely of bamboo.

Dai bamboo weaving has a long history and has been passed down through generations, with distinct ethnic characteristics. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with simple and elegant shapes, beautiful patterns, and a wide variety of products. Among the most representative bamboo woven items are baskets, lunch boxes, and areca nut boxes.

In the Dai language, “Baluo” (芭箩) refers to a small bamboo basket worn at the waist. These finely woven baskets are not only practical tools for daily use but also beautiful decorative items. Dai women, dressed in light, flowing clothing, often wear a “Baluo” at their waist. As they walk, the basket sways gently, giving them an elegant, graceful, and lively appearance. The “Baluo” is also a symbol of love, exchanged by young couples. A Dai man, skilled in bamboo weaving, would weave a “Baluo” as a gift for his beloved, while the young woman would respond with a hand-embroidered “Tungpa” (筒帕), a type of handkerchief. Thus, weaving a “Baluo” and embroidering a “Tungpa” has become an art form of love for the Dai youth. A young man who cannot weave a “Baluo” may find it difficult to find a partner, just as a woman who cannot embroider a “Tungpa” would face challenges in romantic pursuits.

Dai bamboo crafts, after being coated with lacquer, have a rich, luxurious appearance, with red interiors, golden exteriors, and patterns resembling peacock feathers and colorful glass inlays. These fine pieces are often used as ceremonial offerings at Buddhist temples.

Love Token

The Dai bamboo weaving craft is not only a functional art but also a medium of love. A finely woven “Baluo” serves as a token of love. Dai boys begin learning bamboo weaving at a young age, and every young man is skilled in the craft. A boy would weave a “Baluo” for the girl he loves, and in return, the girl would give him a hand-embroidered “Tungpa.” This exchange of bamboo crafts is considered the weaving of love itself. If a young man cannot weave, it would be equivalent to a girl who cannot embroider, symbolizing an inability to find a partner with the right skills.

Bamboo Art

In regions like Dehong (德宏) and Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), where the Dai people reside, bamboo has become an essential part of daily life and architecture. In these areas, bamboo is used extensively in the construction of bamboo houses, which are well-suited to the humid, rainy climate due to their ventilation and cooling properties.

Inside these bamboo houses, the Dai people use bamboo furniture such as bamboo stools, tables, water containers, lunch boxes, wash basins, bowls, spoons, and even bamboo spinning wheels. Bamboo utensils, small and exquisite, exude a timeless charm. Bamboo weaving is an essential art form that has become integral to Dai culture.

The bamboo houses themselves are a remarkable architectural feature. Their design, resembling the shape of a traditional “Kongming hat,” uses large bamboo beams and columns, with bamboo floors, walls, and stairs. The structure is built with Dragon bamboo (龙竹) and is a unique testament to the Dai people’s craftsmanship.

When visiting a Dai household, guests are typically invited to sit on bamboo chairs. The host may offer a small bamboo tube filled with aromatic roasted tea, placing it on a bamboo table for the guest to enjoy. Meals are often served in bamboo baskets or tubes, and bamboo chopsticks are used for eating. A particularly hospitable host may even prepare a special “bamboo tube rice” (竹筒饭) for the guest. If staying overnight, the guest will likely sleep on a bamboo bed, while the sound of wind swaying the Dragon bamboo outside creates a peaceful, rhythmic ambiance, helping the guest drift into sleep.

The Dai people are deeply connected to bamboo, not only growing and loving it but also relying on it in every aspect of life. Bamboo weaving is an indispensable folk craft in the Dai community, with a long history and a wealth of talented artisans. These craftsmen combine traditional techniques with external influences to create unique bamboo items that reflect the cultural identity of the Dai people.

Some of the bamboo products include flat “Tungpa” (扁帕), fish cages, dining tables, tea tables, and various baskets, totaling over 30 different types. Dai bamboo crafts are highly valued for their superior artistry, quality materials, intricate designs, and careful craftsmanship. One of the most cherished items is the “Bianpa” (扁帕), a small and beautiful bamboo accessory worn by Dai women, which is considered a must-have item in daily life.

Dai bamboo weaving is a vivid reflection of the ethnic culture, showcasing the intelligence and artistic talent of the Dai people.