Bai Laxian - Inheritor of Jino Folk Dance in Jino Ethnic Town, Jinghong 

Bai Laxian (西双版纳州景洪市基诺乡基诺族民间舞蹈传承人 - 白腊先) is a prominent figure in the preservation of Jino culture in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), Yunnan Province (云南省), where he serves as the representative inheritor of the Jino Grand Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞). Despite being nearly 70 years old, Bai continues to be an active advocate for the transmission of traditional Jino dance and drum-making techniques, making invaluable contributions to his ethnic group. His work spans cultural, social, and economic dimensions, showcasing the importance of cultural preservation in the modern world.

Cultural Inheritance and Innovation

Master of Drum-Making

Bai Laxian (白腊先) is a skilled artisan in the creation of the Jino Sun Drum (基诺太阳鼓), a sacred object in Jino culture. This drum holds a central position in the ethnic group’s spiritual beliefs, with legends stating that Jino ancestors hid inside the drum to escape disaster. Because of this, the Sun Drum is considered a totem. Bai’s craftsmanship is remarkable, with drums often exceeding one meter in diameter.

In 2021, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党), Bai Laxian led his apprentices in the creation of a massive Sun Drum. This drum was later presented to the National Museum of China (中国民族博物馆), symbolizing both the cultural pride of the Jino people and their connection to the national heritage.

Dance Tradition

As the inheritor of the Jino Grand Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞), Bai Laxian has worked tirelessly to keep this traditional dance form alive. The dance is not just a form of artistic expression but also a way to convey gratitude and respect. For example, during the drum dance ceremony in June 2021, Bai led the community in a performance that symbolized their appreciation for the Chinese Communist Party.

Even as he approaches his seventies, Bai’s movements are full of energy, strength, and emotion, reflecting the power of Jino culture. His leadership has inspired others to take part in this cultural preservation, with many local villagers now participating in these performances, further cementing the Jino Grand Drum Dance as an essential cultural legacy.

Social Impact and Honors

Cooperative and Apprenticeship

In 2016, Bai Laxian (白腊先) established a professional cooperative dedicated to drum-making and handicrafts. This cooperative not only preserves traditional techniques but also provides a platform for passing down these skills to younger generations. Over the years, Bai has trained 14 apprentices, empowering them to continue the practice of drum-making and contribute to the continuation of Jino culture.

Cultural Promotion and Economic Integration

Bai Laxian (白腊先) has been instrumental in promoting Jino culture beyond his village. By participating in local tourist site performances and working with cultural institutions, he has brought the Jino people’s rich cultural heritage to a broader audience. His family also engages in local cultural tourism activities, such as guided tours and operating small businesses, which serve to integrate cultural preservation with local economic development. This symbiotic relationship between culture and commerce has proven essential in maintaining the sustainability of the community.

National Sentiment and Ethnic Pride

Bai Laxian (白腊先) is a strong believer in the positive impact of the Chinese Communist Party (中国共产党) on the Jino people’s lives. His drum-making and dance activities often carry themes of gratitude. For instance, when he presented the giant Sun Drum to Beijing (北京) in 2021, he described it as "the best gift from the Jino people to the Party." This sense of national pride and gratitude is a key element in his work, as he continues to emphasize the importance of cultural unity and ethnic identity.

Through his dedication to preserving and innovating traditional arts, Bai Laxian’s (白腊先) contributions go beyond cultural transmission—they serve as a catalyst for rural revitalization. His efforts exemplify how minority groups, like the Jino, can preserve their unique identities while also contributing to the greater cultural fabric of China.

Biography

Early Life and Interest in Dance

Bai Laxian (白腊先) was born in the Jino Mountain (基诺山) region of Jinghong (景洪), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳). From a young age, he developed a deep love for dance and was an active participant in school performances. After graduating from middle school in 1976, Bai organized a local performing arts troupe, where he served as both the leader and choreographer. His troupe performed popular cultural programs at the time, and this is when he first encountered the traditional dances of the Jino people.

Becoming a Dance Inheritor

In 1979, the Jino people were officially recognized as a distinct ethnic group by the Chinese government. This was a pivotal moment for the Jino people’s cultural preservation, as their traditional dances began to be performed at various celebratory and ritual events. Bai Laxian was particularly drawn to the raw, unrefined folk dances of his ancestors. He began studying these dances in depth, often seeking guidance from elder villagers. In 1978, he became an official disciple of Qie Sha (切沙), a respected elder in the village, and began to learn the foundational techniques of Jino dance. Bai Laxian’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing traditional Jino dance led him to study with multiple elderly dance masters, compiling various styles into his own performances.

Mentorship and Cultural Revival

Since 1983, Bai Laxian (白腊先) has mentored several young villagers, including Xiao Ze (肖则) and Chen Jianjun (陈建军), who are now well-versed in Jino dance and have performed alongside him in regional events. In recognition of his contributions, Bai was honored in 2002 by the provincial government as an outstanding folk dance artist.

Bai has also played a central role in organizing local cultural performances, participating in regional and national events, and continuously introducing and publicizing Jino traditions. His efforts have made a lasting impact on the community, inspiring a new generation to appreciate and continue Jino folk dance and culture.

Through his unwavering dedication to both the Jino Grand Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞) and drum-making (制作大鼓技艺), Bai Laxian (白腊先) has become a cornerstone of cultural preservation in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳). His work not only preserves the Jino people’s rich heritage but also fosters economic and social growth, ensuring that Jino culture continues to thrive for generations to come.