Guo Fengyou – Inheritor of Yueqin-making Craft in Jiangchuan County, Yuxi 

Personal Background and Craft Heritage

Guo Fengyou (郭凤友) is one of the inheritors of the traditional yueqin (月琴, a traditional Chinese lute) craftsmanship in Anhua Township (安化乡), Jiangchuan District (江川区). Belonging to the Yi ethnic group (彝族), Guo was raised in Anhua Township and deeply influenced by Yi culture. He developed a strong interest in making yueqin from a young age, mastering the traditional techniques through years of hands-on practice and learning. As a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Guo has not only carried on the techniques of his predecessors but also introduced innovations based on traditional craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship and Unique Features

Guo Fengyou’s yueqin are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. The joint between the neck and the resonator is precisely constructed, and the workmanship is intricate. He pays close attention to the layout of the soundboard grain, ensuring the instrument looks harmonious and well-integrated. To highlight the unique style of the yueqin, Guo carves traditional Yi ethnic decorative elements such as dragon heads and the twelve zodiac animals onto the body of the instrument. These decorations are not only visually stunning but also rich in cultural significance.

Cultural Inheritance and Innovation

Guo Fengyou’s yueqin craftsmanship preserves the essence of traditional techniques while incorporating modern elements. His instruments are adapted for contemporary stage performances, bringing a renewed vitality to this ancient art form. Through these innovations, Guo bridges the gap between traditional artistry and modern expression.

Social and Cultural Impact

Guo’s yueqin craftsmanship is widely recognized in the local community, and his instruments are beloved by the Yi people. Beyond producing yueqin himself, he also mentors new artisans, helping to cultivate a new generation of yueqin makers. Through his dedication, the craft has continued to flourish and gain renewed appreciation in Anhua Township.

Guo Fengyou has made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yi culture through his skills and creations. His yueqin are more than just musical instruments—they are vital carriers of Yi cultural heritage, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of the Yi people.

The Cultural Significance of Yueqin in Yi Culture

Emotional Expression and Spiritual Consolation

The yueqin is a vital means of emotional expression for the Yi people. During the long history of slavery and feudal society, Yi individuals used the sound of the yueqin to voice their sorrows, release frustrations, and express heartfelt emotions. The Yi proverb, “The mouth harp can speak, and the yueqin can sing” (“口弦会说话，月琴会唱歌”), reflects the high regard in which this instrument is held. It is seen as the voice of the heart.

Cultural Transmission and Education

The music of the yueqin carries stories of Yi history, daily labor, and life events such as weddings and funerals. It plays a crucial role in passing down cultural knowledge. In daily life, the yueqin is used for both entertainment and educational purposes. For example, yueqin melodies often contain legends and folk wisdom, passed down orally from generation to generation.

Social Interaction and Cultural Identity

The yueqin plays an important role in social gatherings among the Yi people. They often use the instrument to make friends and cultivate character through its harmonious, gentle, and flowing tones. Moreover, the yueqin serves as a strong symbol of cultural identity. It is indispensable in festivals, weddings, and celebrations, symbolizing the cultural essence of the Yi people.

Artistic Value and Cultural Diversity

The music of the yueqin is artistically rich and technically sophisticated. Its bright and crisp tone allows for both solo and ensemble performances, highlighting the unique charm of Yi music. Additionally, the craftsmanship and playing techniques of the yueqin showcase the intelligence and creativity of the Yi community.

Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage

As an essential part of Yi intangible cultural heritage, the yueqin has received attention and protection from both national and local governments. In 2008, Yi yueqin music was included in the second batch of Liangshan Prefecture (凉山州) intangible cultural heritage listings. In recent years, initiatives such as heritage transmission systems and field recordings have further strengthened efforts to safeguard and preserve the yueqin tradition.

In summary, the yueqin is not merely a musical instrument in Yi culture—it is a cultural emblem that embodies the emotions, history, and identity of the Yi people.

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