Yang Guizhen – Representative Inheritor of Dai Ethnic Costume-making Skill Project in Xinping County, Yuxi 

Yang Guizhen (杨桂珍), a female of the Dai nationality, was born in 1955 in Xiama Village, Longhe Village Committee, Mosha Town, Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, Yuxi City. She is the representative inheritor of the Dai Nationality Costume Project. Yang Guizhen has been passionate about embroidery since her childhood and began learning it from her parents and elder women when she was very young. At the age of 12, she started to learn the traditional Dai embroidery skills. Her exquisite embroidery works are characterized by their delicate structure and harmonious color matching. In recent years, Yang Guizhen established her own Dai costume workshop. The Dai embroidery costumes she made are very popular and have gained a certain reputation and influence locally.

Contributions to Cultural Heritage

Yang Guizhen’s works have won awards in many embroidery competitions. In 2010, she was named a provincial-level representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage project in Yunnan Province. She actively participates in various cultural activities and exhibitions to promote Dai embroidery skills. Yang Guizhen also actively passes on her skills to younger generations. She hopes that they will carry forward the Dai costume culture and let more people understand it.

Cultural Significance of Dai Nationality Costume

The Dai nationality costume, especially the Hua Yao Dai (花腰傣) costume, is a traditional folk art with rich cultural connotations. It is not only a symbol of the Dai people’s history and culture but also a reflection of their aesthetic taste and regional characteristics. The costume is made of self-woven and self-dyed blue cloth, decorated with colorful tassels, silver bells, silver bubbles, and silver bracelets. It is called “the art worn on the body and the history written on the body”. The Dai costume is an important part of the Dai people’s life and an important carrier of their culture.

Future Prospects

Yang Guizhen continues to work tirelessly to preserve and promote the Dai embroidery skills. She believes that with the support of the government and the efforts of the community, the Dai costume culture will continue to thrive and attract more attention from people around the world.

Yang Guizhen (杨桂珍) faces several challenges in preserving Dai embroidery culture:

1. Decline in Interest Among Younger Generations

One of the most significant challenges is the decline in interest among younger generations. In today’s digital age, where instant gratification and convenience are prioritized, the patience and dedication required to master the art of Dai embroidery are often overlooked. As a result, fewer young people are pursuing careers in traditional crafts, leading to a scarcity of skilled artisans.

2. Globalization and Mass Production

Globalization and mass production have also contributed to the decline of handmade crafts like Dai embroidery. With the proliferation of fast fashion and mass-produced goods, there is less demand for artisanal products that require time and meticulous craftsmanship. As consumer preferences shift towards affordability and convenience, the market for high-quality handmade embroidery diminishes.

3. Technological Advancements

The rapid pace of technological advancement poses a threat to traditional artisanal techniques. With the advent of automated embroidery machines and digital design software, the need for manual labor and artistic skill is diminished, further marginalizing traditional artisans.

4. Economic Pressures

Many traditional artisans, including those involved in Dai embroidery, struggle with economic pressures. The lack of financial support and limited market opportunities can make it difficult to sustain their craft. This often leads to a decline in the quality of work and a reduced ability to invest in the training of new artisans.

5. Cultural Shifts

Cultural shifts and changes in societal values can also impact the preservation of traditional crafts. The younger generation may not see the value in traditional crafts, leading to a decline in interest and participation. This can result in a loss of cultural heritage and a reduced sense of identity among local communities.

6. Lack of Public Awareness

Another challenge is the lack of public awareness and support for traditional crafts. Many people are not aware of the cultural significance and value of Dai embroidery, leading to a lack of demand and support for the craft. This can make it difficult to attract new customers and maintain a viable market for the craft.

Solutions and Mitigation Strategies

To address these challenges, several strategies can be employed:
  1. Education and Outreach: Conducting workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs to raise awareness and interest among younger generations.
  2. Government Support: Providing financial and policy support to traditional artisans, including grants, subsidies, and training programs.
  3. Digital Preservation: Utilizing digital technologies to document and promote traditional crafts, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
  4. Innovative Marketing: Developing innovative marketing strategies to create demand for traditional crafts, such as integrating them into modern products and designs.
  5. Community Involvement: Encouraging community involvement and participation in traditional crafts, fostering a sense of cultural identity and pride.
By addressing these challenges through a combination of education, government support, and innovative marketing, Yang Guizhen and other artisans can help ensure the continued preservation and promotion of Dai embroidery culture.

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