: Bonan people

Author: Ma Shaoqing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The "Ethnic Knowledge Series" was organized by the Nationalities Publishing House, starting in the early 1980s, with many renowned scholars and experts engaged in ethnic minority research contributing to its compilation. Designed to feature one book per ethnic group among China's 55 minority groups, the series spanned 21 years from the publication of "Hezhe Ethnic Group" in 1981 to the final book, "Lahu Ethnic Group," in 2002. Therefore, whether in terms of the author team, the scale of the series, or the time span of its compilation, this series can be regarded as an authoritative and comprehensive introduction to the basic knowledge of China's ethnic minorities, following the publication of the five major ethnic minority series in China. The content of the series mainly includes brief histories of each ethnic group's development, their socio-economic conditions in the early days of the People's Republic of China, their cultural characteristics and customs, as well as their current development status. The compilers were mostly long-term experts in ethnic minority studies, many of whom had personally participated in the national ethnic surveys organized by the Chinese government in the 1950s. These scholars possess solid academic foundations, and in their writing, they not only cite extensive historical documents but also utilize a wealth of firsthand, invaluable field research materials, giving the series a distinctive originality. Additionally, in terms of its editorial style and writing, the series also emphasizes knowledge and interest. It can be said that with one volume of ethnic knowledge literature in hand, one can gain a basic understanding of an ethnic group. As a result, after its publication, the series received strong affirmation from domestic and international experts and scholars, as well as widespread praise from readers. Today, it has become one of the essential books for understanding and researching China's ethnic minorities.