Geographical Distribution of Sani Ethnic People

The Sani people, a subgroup of the Yi ethnic group, are primarily located in Yunnan Province, China. Their main settlements are found in areas such as Shilin Yi Autonomous County (石林彝族自治县) in Kunming City (昆明市), Qiubei County (丘北县) in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山州), and Luxi County (泸西县). The largest concentration of the Sani population is in Shilin County, with approximately 70,000 people residing in this area.

The Sani people have a rich cultural heritage, which includes unique festivals, traditional clothing, music, and embroidery. They celebrate various traditional holidays, including the Torch Festival (火把节) held annually on the 24th of the 6th lunar month, which commemorates the victory of the Sani people over a tyrannical local ruler. The Miji Festival (密枝节), held in the 11th lunar month, is another important celebration where men participate in sacrificial rituals to pray for good harvests.

Sani villages, such as Nuohei Village (糯黑村), Xianrendong Village (仙人洞村), and Azhedi Village (阿着底村), are known for their historical, cultural, and architectural significance. These villages retain ancient practices, including traditional architecture and famous embroidery techniques passed down through generations.

Additionally, the Sani people have distinct, vibrant traditional attire, which includes intricately embroidered clothing, colorful headscarves, and silver jewelry. Their customs, including music, dance, and the famous Dasanxian Dance (大三弦舞), play an essential role in their social interactions and celebrations, especially during festivals.

The Sani are also known for producing unique geographical products, such as Shilin Milk Cake (石林乳饼) and Guishan Cured Meat (圭山腊肉), both of which have been granted national recognition.

Distribution and Cultural Overview of the Sani People in Yunnan

1. Main Distribution and Population Data

Core Settlement Area

The Sani people (a subgroup of the Yi ethnic group, 彝族) are primarily distributed in the following regions of Yunnan:

• Shilin Yi Autonomous County (石林彝族自治县), Kunming City (昆明市), with a population of around 70,000.

• Qiubei County (丘北县) in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山州), including areas like Xianrendong Village (仙人洞村).

• Luxi County (泸西县), also part of the Sani people’s distribution.

Shilin County is the largest settlement area for the Sani people.

Population Size

The total Sani population in Yunnan is around 100,000, making up a small percentage of the total Yi population. The population of the Sani people in Shilin County is approximately 70,000.

Township Distribution

• Guishan Township (圭山镇): Nuohei Village (糯黑村) – 99.8% of the population is Sani, with 1,054 people.

• Weze Township (维则乡): Azhedi Village (阿着底村) – All 342 residents are Sani.

• Shuanglongying Township (双龙营镇): Xianrendong Village (仙人洞村) – 196 households with 981 people.

2. Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous State

There is no dedicated Sani autonomous state, but Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) includes some Sani subgroups.

Autonomous Counties

• Shilin Yi Autonomous County (石林彝族自治县) is the only autonomous county focused on Sani culture, including regions like Guishan Township and Weze Township where the Sani people predominantly reside.

3. Notable Villages and Certifications

4. Ethnic Festivals and Activities

• Torch Festival (火把节): Celebrated on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, this festival is held throughout Shilin County and in Xianrendong Village (仙人洞村) in Qiubei County. Activities include fire worship, bullfighting, song and dance performances, and more.

• Miji Festival (密枝节): Held in the 11th lunar month, celebrated in Guishan Township (圭山镇), with sacrificial rites led by the Bimo (毕摩). This is a men-only event focused on worshipping the Miji God (密枝神), praying for a good harvest.

5. Geographical Indication Products

• Shilin Milk Cake (石林乳饼): A traditional Sani goat milk product that has received national geographical indication certification.

• Guishan Cured Meat (圭山腊肉): A Sani specialty, this cured meat is on par with Xuanwei Ham (宣威火腿) in popularity.

6. Data Summary Table