Minzu Yuwen (Ethnic Languages), 1990, No. 2
This article examines the swastika-like character (卐, "duan") found in the Naxi Dongba script, analyzing its pronunciation, form, meaning, and historical origins. The author argues that this symbol originated in ancient Indian culture (as "svastika") and was transmitted to the Naxi people via Tibet, carried by Buddhism and Bon religion. The study situates the Dongba "duan" within the broader global distribution of the swastika motif, which appears from the Aegean islands, Egypt, and Asia Minor in the west to China in the east, and from northern Europe/Asia to the Indian subcontinent, dating as far back as 5000 BCE. Drawing on dictionaries by Li Lin-ts'an and Fang Guoyu, the author documents multiple graphic variants, phonetic readings (e.g., ho33, dhi33, etc.), and meanings of the character—including "good," "auspicious," "myriad things," "treasure," and "great"—reflecting its complex religious and symbolic significance within Naxi Dongba culture and its ties to neighboring ethnic traditions.
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