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An introduction to southwest ethnic minority paper-cutting

An introduction to southwest ethnic minority paper-cutting An introduction to southwest ethnic minority paper-cutting

Ethnic minorities in southwest China mainly refer to the 25 ethnic groups such as Tibetan, Yi, Bai, Dai, Lisu, Achang, Hani, Miao and Buyi distributed in provinces and cities such as Tibet, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and Chongqing. The territory is vast, the terrain is complex, and the economic life is diverse, ranging from animal husbandry and agriculture to rice and cash crop cultivation. The complexity and diversity of the history, geography, and economic life of various ethnic groups have contributed to the richness and variety of ethnic culture in the Southwest. There are great differences between different ethnic groups and even different branches of the same ethnic group. In addition, the relatively closed transportation has allowed the cultural traditions of this region to be maintained. better.


An introduction to southwest ethnic minority paper-cutting

Wang Yuan’s paper-cut works


The folk paper-cutting of ethnic minorities in southwest China is determined by the aesthetic consciousness that is a combination of many factors such as ecological environment, historical conditions, cultural accumulation, and national psychological quality. The overall theme embodies positivity, optimism, and a broad-mindedness. A national spirit that is realistic and full of ideals. Although Southwest paper-cutting has cultural diversity and style diversity, it also contains the common features of paper-cutting derived from farming and natural economic life, as well as corresponding lifestyles, religious beliefs, annual entertainment, including weddings, childbirth, and birthday gifts. , funeral etiquette and customs, and derived from them the meanings of many children and many blessings, good life, and a hundred years of good union. There are also religious paper-cuts that also pray for good fortune and seek good luck and avoid misfortune. The rich ethnic folk culture in the southwest region is the social condition for the survival of its paper-cutting culture. The inheritance of folk customs has not changed much, and the content and form of paper-cutting are relatively stable.