He Zhigao –  Crossbow Maker in Weixi County, Diqing

He Zhigao (和志高), male, of the Lisu ethnic group (傈僳族), was born in 1956 in Zhali Natural Village (咱利自然村), Meile Village (美乐村), Pantiange Township (攀天阁乡), Weixi County (维西县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州). He is a renowned traditional Lisu crossbow maker. In June 2007, he was recognized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture as a representative inheritor of the third batch of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage items.

Artistic Journey

He Zhigao was born into a family deeply rooted in crossbow-making traditions. His grandfather Yang Ping (杨平) and father He Yugui (和玉贵) were both well-known crossbow craftsmen in the area. Immersed in this environment, he developed a deep interest in the craft from a young age. By the age of 11, he was capable of making crossbows on his own. Through years of practice, he continuously improved his skills and gradually became one of the most respected crossbow artisans in the region.

Promotion and Transmission

He Zhigao has not only inherited his family’s traditional craft but has also actively participated in the protection and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. He has frequently entered local schools to give live demonstrations and lectures, teaching students about the Lisu crossbow-making process and shooting techniques, thereby promoting the preservation of this cultural practice. Additionally, he has established a Lisu Crossbow Handmade Workshop dedicated to the production and development of cultural and creative products based on traditional crossbows.

Craftsmanship Features

He Zhigao’s crossbows are crafted following strict traditional procedures, including material selection, bow shaping, bow frame assembly, trigger mechanism creation, and bowstring production. He primarily uses yansang wood (岩桑木) harvested from along the banks of the Lancang River (澜沧江). This wood is known for its fine texture, softness, elasticity, and resistance to cracking. Creating a high-quality crossbow requires preparing materials a year in advance, followed by a series of steps such as shaping, smoke-drying, polishing, and oiling. The entire crafting process takes about 3 to 4 days to complete.

Social and Economic Value

He Zhigao’s crossbows are used not only in traditional shooting competitions but also crafted as collectible and display-worthy handicrafts. His works are highly regarded by crossbow enthusiasts both in China and abroad due to their exceptional craftsmanship and cultural significance. Furthermore, the inheritance and development of crossbow-making techniques have positively contributed to the local economy, becoming an important part of cultural tourism in the area.

Through mentoring apprentices, participating in cultural activities, and innovating designs, He Zhigao has successfully preserved and promoted the traditional Lisu crossbow-making craft, making significant contributions to the protection and development of this valuable intangible cultural heritage.

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