Dong Brocade at Hunan,China:Cultural Identity,and Re-revention of tradition from the perspective of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The research topic: Dong Brocade in Hunan ,China : Cultural Identity, and Re-Invention of Tradition from the Perspective of Intangible Cultural Heritag. This research is qualitative in nature, taking Dong brocade as the research text, and mainly utilizing the two research concepts of cultural identity and traditional reinvention. Two data collection methods are used: literature research and field survey. There are four research objectives: first, to study the history and social and cultural development of the Dong people. Second, to study the historical development and artistic characteristics of Dong brocade in Hunan Province from the perspective of cultural identity. Third, study the current situation of the development of contemporary Dong brocade techniques and the evolution of the production process, inheritance mode, and innovative thinking from the perspective of traditional reinvention. Fourth, to study the living inheritance ways and means of Dong brocade from the perspective of intangible cultural heritage protection.

The Dong is an ethnic minority in China. In the cultural tradition of the Dong, Dong women have created a unique brocade culture, Dong brocade, with their unique aesthetic sense and superior weaving skills. The brocade of the Tongdao Dong Autonomous County in Hunan Province is famous for its colorful patterns and designs, and became a national intangible cultural heritage of China in 2008. Dong brocade is not only the embodiment

art, but also carries the love and respect of Dong people for life, nature and national culture. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the aesthetic characteristics and inheritance status of Dong brocade through the combing of the development history of Dong brocade in Tongdao County , Hunan Province, especially to study the traditional re-invention of Dong brocade culture in the context of intangible cultural heritage protection. From the perspective of cultural identity, this paper examines the artistic characteristics of the patterns and motifs and craft techniques of Dong brocade in Hunan Province, reveals the emotional expression of the Dong people towards life, nature and national culture, and analyzes the status and value of the Dong brocade in the Dong community, as well as its impact on the identity and social cohesion of the Dong people. We explore the importance of traditional reinvention of Dong brocade as well as innovative thinking and methods under the perspective of intangible cultural heritage, and analyze the contribution of traditional reinvention to the cultural heritage and development of Dong brocade, as well as the challenges and opportunities that may be faced in the process of reinvention. From the perspective of intangible cultural heritage protection, we also discuss how to promote the inheritance and development of Dong brocade and protect its unique value as intangible cultural heritage by means of government support, laws and regulations.

This study concludes that the creation of Dong brocade is an unconscious and conscious invention of the Dong people, as well as a product of the Dong people's solution to their daily needs and aesthetics. Dong brocade is an expression of the Dong people's life, nature and national culture. However, with urbanization and globalization, traditional culture is fading out of people's view, and the interest of the younger generation tends to modernize their lifestyles.In this environment, the weaving skill of Dong brocade is in danger of being lost. In addition, the competition in the commercial market has also caused the loss of Dong brocade weaving skills.The impact of mass production and cheap products may lead to a decline in the market share of Dong brocade traditional handicrafts, and the lack of talents also restricts the development of Dong brocade inheritance. Inheriting Dong brocade skills requires patience and time, but the fast pace of modern life may make young people reluctant to invest enough time and energy to learn this skill, so the importance and urgency of Dong brocade traditional re-invention should not be ignored. First of all, Dong brocade, as a cultural heritage, represents the cultural identity and traditional wisdom of the Dong people. Passing down Dong brocade can protect and pass on this valuable cultural heritage so that future generations can understand and respect their roots. Secondly, traditional handicrafts

have a cohesive role in the community. Inheriting Dong brocade can enhance the sense of identity and cohesion of the Dong community and promote social harmony and stability. Dong brocade is also an important part of cultural tourism and cultural creative industries in the Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, Hunan Province, which brings opportunities for local economic development and also provides a sustainable way to inherit Dong brocade. Furthermore, the traditional reinvention of Dong brocade can integrate modern design and technology to create new and unique works, attracting more young people to participate in the inheritance of the tradition and revitalizing traditional culture. Finally, through the inheritance of Dong brocade, it can provide more people with the opportunity to learn about history, culture and tradition, promote the protection of China's intangible cultural heritage, and cultivate their cultural self-confidence and sense of identity. As China's intangible cultural heritage, Dong brocade cannot be separated from cultural identity in the process of tradition re-invention, and the establishment of cultural identity itself plays an important role in preserving China's cultural heritage and improving cultural soft power.

This study covers most of the areas of Dong brocade inheritance in Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province. The study population included Dong brocade practitioners, government and related researchers, tourists and other people.

-