Historical Imprints. The Last Written Person

Author: Yang Fashun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: The Dulong ethnic group is one of China's less 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. The facial tattooing is a unique custom and cultural practice of the Dulong people. Women practice facial tattooing, and every girl must undergo the procedure between the ages of 12 and 13, with patterns tattooed on their eyelids. During the tattooing process, a selected bamboo pick or tree needle is first dipped in cooked soot to outline the tattoo design on the face of the person being tattooed. Once the ink dries, the tattoo artist holds the needle with their left hand while using their right hand to tap the needle along the lines with a wooden stick. After each line is tattooed, the blood is wiped away, and then a mixture of cooked soot and blue dye is applied as "ink." After the tattooing is completed, the wound heals over several days, leaving behind black and indigo-colored scars on the skin. These scars remain on the face permanently, forming the facial tattoos, commonly known as "face painting." It is an ancient custom practiced by the Dulong people for centuries, primarily concentrated in the Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County in northwestern Yunnan. However, with the passage of time and the evolution of civilization, this ancient custom has faded away, having been abandoned about 50 years ago. This book lifts the veil of mystery surrounding the tattooed faces, exploring the little-known Dulong culture. Through this book, you will see the distant Dulong River, the rainbow arcing over the perilous Yidao Trail, the hardworking and kind-hearted people, the grand "Kaiqiangwa" festival, and the bull-sacrificing ceremony to appease the heavens. And finally, the last tattooed faces. This book primarily introduces the history of facial tattooing among women in the Dulong ethnic group in Yunnan and the scenes of their lives.