Facial Tattoos of the Dulong Ethnic Minority in Nujiang

The Dulong ethnic group (独龙族), primarily residing in the remote Dulongjiang Township (独龙江乡) of Nujiang (怒江) in Yunnan Province (云南省), holds a unique and ancient cultural tradition of facial tattooing, which has been practiced for over a thousand years. First documented in historical texts such as the New Book of Tang (《新唐书》) and the Southern Zhou Wild History (《南诏野史》), this custom has been an integral part of the community’s identity.

Facial tattoos are exclusively worn by Dulong women, who typically undergo the process between the ages of 12-14 as a rite of passage into adulthood. The tattoos, applied using bamboo needles and ash or plant dyes, symbolize not only adulthood but also serve to protect women from abduction during times of conflict. Over time, the tattoos have become linked with spiritual beliefs, with some designs representing the Dulong people’s reverence for nature and the afterlife.

The tradition involves a painful and meticulous process: first, symmetrical patterns are drawn on the face, often resembling butterflies or turtle shells. These patterns are then etched into the skin, causing intense pain, and later darken into permanent blue-black marks. The practice, which also served to distinguish different clans, has all but vanished today, with fewer than 20 women still wearing the tattoos, all over the age of 75.

In recent decades, due to modernization and societal change, facial tattooing has largely disappeared, with the tradition officially ending in the 1960s. However, efforts are being made to preserve the memory of this ancient custom. In 2006, the facial tattooing tradition was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and cultural tourism initiatives are working to promote and educate the public about the Dulong people’s unique heritage.

Today, the remaining tattooed women are often referred to as “living fossils,” representing a direct link to the Dulong people’s rich cultural history and their transition from primitive society to modern civilization.

The Dulong people (独龙族), an ethnic group located in the remote mountainous regions of China, have a unique and ancient tradition of facial tattooing. With a history spanning over a thousand years, this practice is exclusively passed down through the female population, marking a significant rite of passage.

1. Historical Origins

Early Historical Records:

The facial tattooing tradition of the Dulong people is first recorded in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) historical documents, particularly in the New Book of Tang (新唐书) and the Nan Zhao Wild History (南诏野史), where it is referred to as “worn-faced P’u” and “embroidered face tribes.”

Origin Theories:

Several theories have been proposed to explain the origins of this custom:

Protective Theory: It is believed that Dulong women tattooed their faces to avoid being captured and enslaved by the Tibetan Chawanglong chieftains during raids.

Totemism Theory: Some scholars argue that the tattoo patterns, such as butterflies, symbolize the Dulong people’s belief in the soul, with the idea that the soul transforms into a butterfly after death and returns to the ancestors.

2. The Tattooing Process

Preparation:

Age Requirement: Girls receive their facial tattoos between the ages of 12 to 14, signaling their coming-of-age and readiness for marriage.

Materials: The tattooing process uses tools like bamboo needles, thorny branches, and pot ash or plant-based dyes.

Tattoo Application:

Design: Symmetrical patterns, such as butterfly wings or turtle shells, are drawn on the face, centered along the nose bridge as the axis.

Procedure: Using bamboo needles or thorny branches, the tattoo artist punctures the skin along the drawn patterns, a painful process that lasts several hours. This procedure is performed without any anesthesia, with the most sensitive areas, such as the nose and upper lip, being particularly painful.

Healing: After the tattoo is applied, the wounds are treated with pot ash or plant juices, and as the scabs fall off, the tattoos leave a permanent blue-black scar. Swelling lasts for approximately a week, and herbal remedies are used to prevent infection.

Regional Variations:

Upper Reaches (Dulongjiang First and Second Villages): Women here receive full facial tattoos with intricate butterfly-like patterns.

Lower Reaches (Third and Fourth Villages): The tattoos are simpler, consisting of vertical lines along the chin that resemble a beard.

3. Cultural Significance

Social Function:

Facial tattoos were once used to distinguish between different clans and regions. They helped identify a person’s clan and sometimes their place of origin.

Spiritual Symbolism:

The Dulong people believe that the facial tattoos serve as a spiritual safeguard. The butterfly pattern, in particular, is tied to totemic beliefs, symbolizing the soul’s journey after death.

Connection with Ancestors: It was believed that women with facial tattoos would be recognized by their ancestors in the afterlife, and that they could carry belongings from their previous life with them.

Natural Elements: Some tattoo designs represent mountains, rivers, and other natural features, reflecting the Dulong people’s animistic beliefs and deep connection to nature.

Rite of Passage:

Receiving the tattoo is a significant adult ceremony. Only after this procedure could Dulong women marry, marking it as a symbol of adulthood and readiness for the responsibilities of family life.

4. The Decline and Current Status

Gradual Disappearance:

With the modernization of society and changing cultural values, the tradition of facial tattooing began to decline in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the practice had nearly disappeared. As of 2023, fewer than 20 women remain with these tattoos, and all of them are over 75 years old.

Loss of Expertise:

The last skilled tattoo artist passed away in 2013, marking the official end of the tradition. The practice was no longer passed down to younger generations, as the Dulong people embraced modern ways of living.

Cultural Preservation Efforts:

In 2006, the Dulong facial tattoo tradition was officially included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in China.

The Dulongjiang Township (独龙江乡) has undertaken various efforts to preserve and promote the tradition, including through exhibitions and cultural tourism. The tradition is showcased in the Anti-British War Memorial and local villages, helping ensure the legacy continues to be remembered.

5. Conclusion: A Living Fossil

The Dulong facial tattoo tradition is a fascinating and enduring symbol of cultural heritage, reflecting the history, beliefs, and resilience of the Dulong people. Though the practice has almost vanished, the remaining tattooed women are considered “living fossils” — living symbols of the Dulong people’s transition from ancient traditions to modern civilization.

Through cultural preservation initiatives, this unique heritage is being safeguarded, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of this cultural practice and its place in Dulong history.