A Comparative Study of the Yi "Bimo" and the Naxi "Dongba
This article, published in Guizhou Ethnic Studies (2005, No. 6), presents a comparative study of the "Bimo" priests of the Yi ethnic group and the "Dongba" priests of the Naxi ethnic group in southwest China. The author, Wang Wei, argues that since the Yi and Naxi share common historical origins tied to the ancient Di-Qiang peoples and both inherited traditional religions influenced by external religious cultures, their respective priestly institutions—Bimo and Dongba—exhibit substantial similarities. The study compares them across three dimensions: their ancient titles and historical evolution, their principal religious functions and modes of transmission, and the ritual implements and scriptures they use. It traces Bimo's historical development through three stages—from tribal chieftain-priests before the Tang-Song era, to advisory figures under the Yuan-Ming dynasties, to specialized religious functionaries after Qing-era reforms—while beginning a parallel etymological account of the Dongba title.
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