Historical Imprints - The Last Literate Person

Author: Yang Fashun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: The Dulong ethnic group is one of China's least populous ethnic groups, primarily residing along both banks of the Dulong River in Gongshan County, Yunnan Province. Some are scattered in nearby areas such as Weixi County and Zayü. Face-painting is a unique custom and cultural practice of the Dulong people. Women practice face-painting, and every girl must undergo the procedure of pricking patterns onto her face when she reaches the age of 12 or 13. During face-painting, a selected bamboo pick or tree needle is first dipped in (mixed soot) to outline the design on the face of the person being painted. Once the soot dries, the pricker holds a needle in their left hand and a beater in their right, tapping the needle along the lines. After each line is pricked, the blood is wiped away, and then a mixture of soot and blue dye is applied as "ink." After the face-painting is completed, the wound heals over several days, leaving behind black and indigo-colored scars on the skin. These scars remain permanently on the face, creating the face-painting pattern. This practice, known as "face-painting" or "," is an ancient custom followed by the Dulong people for centuries, primarily those living in the Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County in northwestern Yunnan. However, with the passage of time and the changing of civilizations, this ancient custom has ceased to exist for over 50 years. This book lifts the veil of mystery surrounding the face-painted people and explores the little-known Dulong culture. Through this book, you will see the distant Dulong River, where the Yitong Pass () glows with rainbows. You will meet the hardworking and kind-hearted people, witness the grand "Kaiqiangwa" festival, and observe the bull-sacrifice ceremony to heaven. And finally, you will meet the last face-painted people. This book primarily introduces the history of face-painting among women in the Dulong ethnic group in Yunnan and the scenes of their lives.