Pujiafu is a Yi ethnic folk music inheritor from Qingshuihai Village (青水海村), Hule Town (和乐镇), Hongta District (红塔区), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). He has had significant influence in both the performance and craftsmanship of the four-stringed lute (yueqin, 月琴).
Personal Background
Birth and Ethnicity
Born in 1931 in Qingshuihai Village (青水海村), Hule Town (和乐镇), Hongta District (红塔区), Yuxi City (玉溪市); of Yi (彝族) ethnicity.
Career History
- In 1956, began working at a construction company in Kunming City (昆明市).
- In 1958, transferred to Yunnan Metallurgical Mine No. 3 (云南冶金三矿) to work underground. During this period, he learned and mastered the playing and crafting of the four-stringed lute, becoming a cultural backbone at the mine and participating in artistic performances.
- After retiring in 1984, he settled in Hedianjia Village (何甸加村), Maidi Administrative Area (麦地村公所), Fabiao Township (法裱乡), Shuangbai County (双柏县), where his wife is from.
Musical Legacy and Contributions
Four-stringed Lute Performance
Recording and Transmission
In 1987, over 30 tunes played by Pujiafu were recorded under the Yunnan Dance Integration Project (云南省舞蹈集成项目). After retirement, he organized traditional Yi dances during festivals and taught young people to play the instrument. Over the past 20 years, he has trained more than 20 apprentices.
Honors and Awards
He participated twice in the Ethnic Arts Festivals in Shuangbai County (双柏县), winning second prize in the musical instrument performance category.
Four-stringed Lute Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship and Materials
Crafting four-stringed lutes is Pujiafu’s cherished hobby. He carefully selects high-quality woods such as rosewood, birdwood, and walnut—materials known for their durability and acoustic resonance. The woods are air-dried over extended periods to ensure stability and sound quality. Creating a single instrument may take several months, with attention to every detail.
Popularity and Demand
His finely crafted instruments are beloved by friends and residents of nearby villages such as in Yimen County (易门县) and Eshan County (峨山县). Even performing arts troupes affiliated with the Ministry of Culture have ordered his lutes, often exceeding his production capacity.
Honors and Cultural Status
Provincial Inheritor Recognition
Recognized as one of the first provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritors in Yunnan Province (云南省) for his contributions to Yi four-stringed lute music.
Cultural Significance
His music and instrument-making skills have played a key role in preserving and promoting Yi cultural heritage in the region.
Related Figures in Yuxi Region
Other Yi music inheritors in the region include:
- Pu Hongxing (普红星) from Xiaoshiqiao Township (小石桥乡), Hongta District (红塔区), who has collected and compiled 36 Yi four-stringed lute melodies and is active in ethnic music education.
- Zhang Zhengchang (张正昌) from Yangwu Town (扬武镇), Xinping County (新平县), known for preserving the craftsmanship of Yi cigarette-box dance instruments, including the sanxian (三弦) and four-stringed lute.
Pujiafu’s contributions extend beyond his personal skills—his long-standing dedication to music teaching and dissemination has allowed Yi four-stringed lute traditions to continue and flourish.
Unique Craftsmanship of Pujiafu’s Four-stringed Lutes
1. Material Selection and Craftsmanship
Pujiafu is meticulous about selecting materials. Preferred woods include rosewood, birdwood, and walnut, prized for durability and excellent resonance. He conducts long-term air-drying to ensure stability and quality. From material selection to final product, creating one lute can take several months, with perfection in every step.
2. Decorative Carving on the Headstock
The headstock carvings on his lutes are exquisite, often shaped like a dragon head or a sheep’s head.
- Dragon Head: Symbolizes authority and prestige.
- Sheep Head: Reflects the Yi people’s reverence for sheep, especially among the Pumi (普米族), who believe sheep bring good fortune.
These carvings embody deep cultural meanings in addition to visual beauty.
3. Sound Quality and Resonance
His lutes produce rich and resonant sound. He fine-tunes the size and shape of the resonating box and uses specially treated animal hides such as snakeskin or roe deer hide for the soundboard. Internal structural optimizations—like adding sound beams and posts—further enhance resonance and clarity.
4. Artistic Decoration
Pujiafu’s lutes are adorned with patterns reflecting Yi aesthetics, including motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms. These designs not only enhance visual appeal but also imbue the instruments with cultural symbolism, often used in significant cultural events and rituals.
5. Cultural Influence and Legacy
Pujiafu’s lutes are cherished in the Yi community and beyond. Even performing troupes affiliated with the Ministry of Culture have ordered his instruments. His innovations have elevated both the artistic value and practical usability of the traditional four-stringed lute. As a recognized intangible cultural heritage inheritor, his role in preserving and evolving Yi music is substantial.
Integration of Traditional Craft with Modern Aesthetics
Pujiafu skillfully combines traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, revitalizing the Yi four-stringed lute for the contemporary era.
1. Combining Traditional Craft with Modern Tools
While preserving traditional craftsmanship, Pujiafu may incorporate modern tools to enhance precision and efficiency. This blend ensures the instrument retains its cultural essence while improving quality.
2. Innovative Designs for Modern Tastes
He integrates modern aesthetics into the lute’s design, including clean lines and fresh motifs. Adjustments to size and structure make the instruments more suitable for stage performance and modern use.
3. Combining Cultural Heritage with Contemporary Education
Pujiafu actively trains new generations through workshops and classes. His approach bridges traditional art with modern educational methods, attracting more young people to participate in cultural preservation.
4. Blending Traditional Music with Modern Performances
His lutes are not limited to traditional folk music but also appear in modern settings such as concerts and musicals. This expands their appeal and helps bring Yi music to broader audiences.
5. Innovation in Cultural Products and Branding
Through collaboration with designers and branding efforts, Pujiafu turns his lutes into collectible and functional cultural products. These innovations enhance cultural value and open new markets for traditional instruments.
By fusing tradition with innovation, Pujiafu ensures that the Yi four-stringed lute remains vibrant and relevant in today’s cultural landscape.
