Yang Guilian – Representative Inheritor of Naxi Traditional Textile Craft in Shangri-la, Diqing
Profile of Yang Guilian
Yang Guilian(杨桂莲), female, Naxi ethnicity, was born in 1966 in Shuijia Village Group (水甲村民小组), Baidi Village (白地村), Sanba Township (三坝乡), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). She is the representative inheritor of Naxi traditional hemp weaving techniques.
Inheritance Background
Yang Guilian’s grandmother Wen Ji and mother Yang Shifa were both renowned hemp weaving experts in their village. Immersed in this family tradition, Yang began learning the craft at age 11 from her mother, gradually mastering the complete process from hemp preparation to final weaving.
Naxi Traditional Hemp Weaving Techniques
Developed during the Tang and Song dynasties as the Naxi people transitioned from semi-nomadic to agricultural lifestyles, these techniques are primarily preserved in Sanba Township (三坝乡). The 14-step process includes:
- Hemp drying
- Retting
- Soaking
- Fiber separation
- Spinning preparation
- Secondary soaking
- Yarn spinning
- Netting
- Boiling
- Cleaning
- Final soaking
- Moistening
- Winding
- Weaving
Hemp planting occurs in April and harvesting in August by the lunar calendar. The finished fabric, called “Pei” (培), is uniquely tailored into distinctive Naxi clothing.
Preservation and Innovation
While maintaining traditional methods, Yang has innovated by incorporating materials like wool and cotton thread using the same techniques. Her exquisite craftsmanship attracts both local admirers and young learners.
Protection and Inheritance
Recognized as:
- Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage (2009)
- Provincial-Level Inheritor (April 2010 by Yunnan Department of Culture)
Yang actively trains apprentices, ensuring this ancient craft’s continuity. Her contributions extend beyond technical mastery to significant cultural preservation efforts.
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