Nestled in Guizhou’s Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Zhanli Village is a beacon of Dong traditional papermaking, a craft hailed as a “living fossil.” This vibrant traditional village preserves its cultural heritage, earning spots on China’s Landscape Villages and Traditional Villages lists. For those eager to explore Dong culture, this guide unveils the ancient art of papermaking. Curious about other historical crafts? Check out our article on Ancient Innovations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Zhanli Village, Congjiang County, Guizhou |
| Population | 827 people, 93% practice papermaking |
| Main Material | Mulberry tree bark |
| Process | 72 steps, including soaking, pulping, and baking |
Zhanli Village: A Living Traditional Village
Zhanli Village, located in Congjiang County, is a well-preserved traditional village in the heart of the Miao Mountains. With 182 households and 827 residents, 93% (170 households) actively practice Dong traditional papermaking. Consequently, every home doubles as a workshop, passing down this craft through generations. This thriving ecosystem ensures the art remains a cornerstone of Dong culture.
The Craft of Dong Traditional Papermaking
Dong traditional papermaking is a meticulous process, transforming natural materials into delicate paper. Using mulberry tree bark as the main ingredient, artisans blend in kiwi vines and wild cotton roots. The process involves 72 precise steps, each rooted in ancient wisdom.
Key Steps in the Process
- Soaking and Softening: Bark is soaked to make it pliable.
- Lime Soaking: Bark is treated with lime to break down fibers.
- Steaming and Pulping: Fibers are cooked and pounded into pulp.
- Sun Bleaching: Pulp is whitened under sunlight.
- Bamboo Screen Molding: Pulp is scooped onto screens to form sheets.
- Fire Baking: Sheets are dried by a hearth, creating thin, translucent paper.
This intricate craft, documented by UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage, produces “Oriental Papyrus,” a paper as fine as a cicada’s wing.
Why Dong Paper Matters
The white bark paper from Zhanli is more than a craft—it’s a symbol of Dong culture. Specifically, it serves multiple roles in village life:
- Sacred Use: The paper is essential for ritual ceremonies, carrying spiritual significance.
- Practical Protection: Its natural insect-repellent quality safeguards silver jewelry and heirloom textiles.
- Cultural Legacy: Each sheet reflects the Dong’s harmony with nature, embedding ecological wisdom.
According to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, such traditional papermaking showcases the ingenuity of ethnic crafts.
“Every sheet of paper holds the scent of our forests and the heart of our people.” – Zhanli Village Artisan
In conclusion, Zhanli Village’s Dong traditional papermaking is a testament to cultural resilience and craftsmanship. From mulberry bark to sacred paper, this traditional village weaves nature and heritage into every sheet. For culture enthusiasts and curious minds, exploring Dong culture reveals a timeless art that speaks to both the past and the present. Visit Zhanli, and let the delicate paper tell its ancient story.
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