Indigo Culture of Minorities in Guangxi Region, China : Local Wisdom, Ethnicity and Trajectory of Self Representation in the Context of Modernity

Abstract

This study is basic research and uses qualitative research methods. From the phenomenon of 'Indigo Culture of Minorities in Guangxi, China', we will study the issues of local wisdom, ethnicity, and trajectory of self-identity in the context of China's modernity. The research found that twelve ethnic groups have lived in Guangxi for generations., including the Han and eleven ethnic minorities. The physical space, topography, and climate of Guangxi's multi-ethnic settlements are factors that create ecological and biological diversity. Various ethnic minority groups have developed wisdom related to the area. It has become local Knowledge and local wisdom in many aspects. In particular, the wisdom of producing indigo mud and dyeing cloth with indigo is complex and has special characteristics. At the same time, various ethnic groups have their own lifestyles related to indigo, whether it is daily life or rituals. In both cases, local wisdom and ethnicity become self-identity. That indicates who we are and how we are different from others. Later, when China developed, the country transitioned into being modern in the context of globalization. China has established a policy for developing ethnic minorities to use their self-identity to the outside world. In this context, the phenomenon of the trajectory of self-identity has emerged. Through 2 types of indigo-dyed cloth, ethnic minorities presented self-identity, causing the invention of tradition and commoditization. Including the presentation of indigo fabric to be 'fake' or look like real indigo products. The second case is that another person acts as an intermediary or 'cultural broker', and the fashion designer Glocal style offers their self-identity.

Regarding the indigo cloth of ethnic minorities in this part, a phenomenon has occurred revitalization. This group reproduces indigo cloth's authenticity, which has encouraged minorities to return and revitalize their indigo-dyed wisdom again. An important finding in the research is the state of modernity does not destroy or disintegrate the self-identity of minorities. On the contrary, modernity encourages minorities to return to study and revive the wisdom of their ancestors. All of this is a phenomenon called "new indigo culture".

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