Xiangxi Scroll

Author: Li Huanbo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Xiangxi Scroll is a substantial work on ethnic folk culture, history, and archaeological research in the Greater Xiangxi region in recent years. What makes it compelling and engaging to read? It is the author's abundant passion for the Xiangxi region, its people, and its culture. He is not a hurried traveler in search of thrills, nor an arrogant teacher delivering grand pronouncements. Since 1995, he has traversed every county in the Wuling Mountains, immersing himself in the magical landscapes and people of the region. Among the villages of the Tujia, Miao, and Dong ethnic groups, by the warm hearths, in the simple folk songs, and at the archaeological sites buried in the fields, he has gained an intimate "sense of touch" with the people. The author mentions twice in the text the story of a child who died young and was buried by his family in a place with limited daily activities during the excavation of the Ebuimen Cave, depicting the timeless "parental love" that transcends ages. Between the lines and in the accompanying images, he expresses sympathy and compassion for a nation's homeland and, concern for the damage caused by natural disasters, the severed connections between humans and nature, and between humans and tradition. One can truly feel his deep breaths in sync with the land. It is the author's rigorous and scientific academic attitude, honed over a decade like a single-edged sword. In recent years, counterfeit books and vanity publications have become fashionable. Especially among travelogues, some package and embellish famous works, while others dilute and inflate personal travel writings, creating an illusion of grandeur. With the serious academic attitude of an archaeologist, the author's research and writing on the history, geography, ethnicity, culture, and archaeology of Xiangxi are comprehensive, systematic, and objective, embodying the unity of history and logic. It is an exploration beyond his professional expertise, built upon a solid foundation of knowledge. In clearing and excavating the layers of time, particularly with the new discoveries and summaries of the ancient city of Lao Sicheng and the Ebuimen Cave, he has unearthed many treasures from legends, clarified many misconceptions, enriched the cultural and tourism resources of Xiangxi, and polished the historical space of the early multi-ethnic Wuling region. He has not only unearthed ancient artifacts but also the "people" of ancient times, enhancing the grand scale and poetic expression of the work. Through his personal efforts, from photography to field investigations, from archaeological diaries to cultural overviews, he has demonstrated profound erudition and multiple talents. What is astonishing is the power of his expression. He possesses a unique perspective: "to view things through the lens of time, not seeking accidental or novel scenes, but in the ordinary, repetitive human activities, finding the norms of life, the cyclical passage of years, the joys and sorrows of people, and the totems of their souls." Thus, he has restored and connected historical scenes with contemporary realities. There is also the purity of his language, a narrative style that blends literature, archaeology, and philosophy, with poetic sensitivity and thoughtfulness in his writing. He pays attention to crafting narrative plots and capturing details, avoiding academicism, obscurity, and alienation from readers, making the reading experience effortless and. All these moving elements come from a reality not distant but often forgotten by people; from a research philosophy of "not only observing but also thinking"; from the rare ancient patience and classical spirit. The publication of this book also demonstrates the strength and courage of the publishing house—Yuelu Books. To match the vastness and depth of Xiangxi, such a monumental work is needed; compared to the crude and simplistic publications on similar themes, such a work is essential. Xiangxi Scroll has emerged at the right time, coinciding with the Central Western Development Drive and the provincial government's strategy for regional development in the west. It is also when the eyes of the entire nation and even the world begin to focus on this mysterious and colorful land. It will undoubtedly provide cultural insights and intellectual support for current development efforts, and the favorable timing will enable more readers to value this work and expand its significance and influence. Xiangxi Scroll consists of three works: General Introduction to Ancient Culture in the Wuling Mountains, Photography Collection of the Wuling Mountains, and Archaeological Journey in the Wuling Mountains. These works present a comprehensive portrayal of the natural and cultural landscape of Xiangxi from academic research, artistic photography, and literary essays. The author has been leading the research project on ancient culture and ethnic history in Xiangxi since 1995, traveling to every county in the Wuling Mountains, investigating and excavating numerous archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Lao Sicheng in Yongshun, the Southern Great Wall, and the ancient city of Liye. The archaeological discoveries he led, such as the ancient well and Qin bamboo slips in Liye, were hailed as the most significant archaeological finds of the century and had a profound social impact. These discoveries have greatly expanded our understanding of ancient culture in the Wuling Mountains. Xiangxi Scroll is a comprehensive showcase of Xiangxi's humanistic achievements over the past decade and a true record of the author's personal journey. General Introduction to Ancient Culture in the Wuling Mountains is based on extensive archaeological findings, providing a thorough review and framework for the ancient history and culture of the Wuling Mountains. It holds high academic value. Structurally, the book focuses on two themes: The first volume, "The Geographical Environment and Origins of Ethnic Groups in the Wuling Mountains," explores the natural and cultural geography of the region and delves into the ancient history of the Wuling Mountains, offering a historical account of the origins and development of the Tujia, Miao, and Dong ethnic groups. The second volume, "Civilization Patterns in the Wuling Mountains After the Qin and Han Dynasties," synthesizes previous research and analyzes the structure and development of ancient society in the Wuling Mountains from three perspectives: "The Central Dynasty's Expansion into the Wuling Mountains," "Local Administrative Structures in the Wuling Mountains," and "The History of Folk Life in the Wuling Mountains." It presents a historical panorama of the ancient lives of the ethnic groups in the Wuling Mountains. Photography Collection of the Wuling Mountains serves as a visual record and preservation of the natural landscapes, cultural relics, and ethnic customs of the Wuling Mountains. Through the unique lens of an archaeologist, it enriches the language of photographic art in the Wuling Mountains. Archaeological Journey in the Wuling Mountains, in the form of literary essays and images, documents the rich historical sites, local customs, and little-known humanistic resources of the Wuling Mountains, reflecting the author's sincere dialogue and spiritual insights with the region. It holds unique literary and aesthetic value. Since the 1940s, when Mr. Shen Congwen documented Xiangxi, the region has captivated the world with its allure. However, in the half-century since then, few works have provided an in-depth and systematic introduction to Xiangxi, far failing to meet the needs of its development. The author's decade-long archaeological excavations and research on ancient culture in Xiangxi, along with his work Xiangxi Scroll, represent an in-depth exploration, preservation, and interpretation of the ancient land of Xiangxi, a culturally significant endeavor with historical implications. The publication of Xiangxi Scroll will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the promotion and development of Xiangxi's humanistic resources, and subsequently on the region's economic growth and cultural advancement.