Naxi people preserve traditional papermaking

The traditional papermaking technique of the Naxi people in China is characterized by its unique materials. It is practiced in the Baidi village of Sanba township in Shangri-La city of Yunnan province.

Historically mastered by the Naxi Dongba, the head inheritor of Naxi culture, this technique is for handmade paper primarily used for copying Dongba scriptures and creating Dongba paintings.

In June 2006, the Naxi handcrafted papermaking technique was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage protection list.

The handmade paper is renowned for its white color and thick quality, making it suitable for copying scriptures and ensuring long-term preservation. It has gained great fame in the northwest of Yunnan province.

It is said that in the 1940s, over 5,000 volumes of Dongba classics were written on this paper. Thus, the paper made significant contributions to the inheritance of Dongba culture.

With the increasing efforts in protecting intangible cultural heritage and the gradual integration of culture and tourism, the Naxi papermaking technique is exploring the combination of protection and utilization.

By selling paper used for copying Dongba scriptures and painting Dongba paintings, it is gradually developing Dongba paper lanterns, fans, umbrellas, greeting cards, and other cultural and creative commemorative products.

Source: Xuexi.cn; trans-editing by Wang Yunya