The Concept of Naxi Cultural History and Several Related Issues
This article by Yang Fuquan examines the concept of "culture" within Naxi ethnic history, noting that the Naxi language lacks a direct equivalent to the Chinese/English term "culture." In Dongba scriptures, the closest terms are "benlishumu" (meaning "heritage," originally referring to grain/models, extended to material and spiritual legacy) and "dumu" (referring broadly to the origins and norms governing social conduct, rooted in Dongba religious cosmology involving the deity Du). The author argues Naxi culture comprises three components: Dongba culture as its core; Han culture (Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism) introduced since the Ming dynasty; and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Together these shaped Naxi cosmology and worldview. The Qing dynasty's "gaitu guiliu" administrative reform brought upheaval but reinforced multicultural integration, giving Naxi culture its characteristic openness and syncretic identity through broad absorption of diverse cultural influences.
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