He Meifen – Representative Inheritor of Fireweed Textile Craft Project in Qiubei County, Wenshan 

Learning and Inheritance

Hemeifen (何美芬), a woman of the Zhuang ethnic group, was born in 1951 in Xiaoxilong Village (小溪笼村), Mubai Village Committee (木柏村委会), Pingzhai Township (平寨乡), Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州). She is the provincial-level representative inheritor of the Huocao Weaving Craft (火草纺织技艺) project.

At the age of 10, Hemeifen learned to pick Huocao leaves and spin threads under the guidance of Nong Tingfen (侬庭芬). By the age of 15, she had mastered the techniques of Huocao weaving. At 20, she began innovating on the traditional Huocao cloth, using plant dyes derived from dyed rice to color the Huocao threads in red, yellow, purple, blue, green, and other hues. She arranged the colored threads in specific sequences to weave continuous patterns such as triangle flowers, pentagon flowers, octagon flowers, and nine-needle flowers. Her Huocao quilts are known for their rich colors, exquisite compositions, dynamic patterns, and high practical and aesthetic value.

Inheritance and Innovation

Currently, Zhang Xiaolan (张晓兰), Zhang Diwai (张迪歪), and He Lanfen (何兰芬) have apprenticed under Hemeifen to learn Huocao cloth making. Hemeifen plays an essential role in the inheritance, innovation, and development of Zhuang Huocao weaving skills and is widely recognized locally as a master of “Huocao” weaving. Her daughter-in-law, a teacher in the town, also integrates the teaching of Huocao weaving techniques into the school curriculum, bringing this traditional craft into campuses and making it a part of the ethnic cultural confidence.

Cultural Significance

The Huocao Weaving Craft (火草纺织技艺) is an important carrier of traditional Zhuang culture in Qiubei County (丘北县), showcasing the wisdom of Zhuang ancestors. In 2009, the Zhuang Huocao weaving tradition of Qiubei County was included in the second batch of Yunnan Province’s provincial-level intangible cultural heritage list.

1. Cultural Inheritance and Historical Witness

The Huocao Weaving Craft carries the history and culture of ethnic minorities and represents an important creation and invention in the textile technology of Southwest China’s ethnic groups. It reflects the self-sufficiency and ingenuity of groups such as the Yi and Zhuang peoples. With over 500 years of history, this craft remains a vital vehicle of Yi and Zhuang cultures.

2. Ethnic Identity and Recognition

Mastery of the Huocao Weaving Craft has long been considered a measure of a woman’s capability. Traditionally, when marrying, a woman must bring a piece of homespun cloth to her new family. This practice symbolizes not only technical skill but also ethnic identity and cultural pride, enhancing ethnic cohesion and a sense of belonging.

3. Cultural Diversity and Uniqueness

The Huocao Weaving Craft showcases the unique cultural characteristics and aesthetic values of minority groups. Through this skill, ethnic communities produce culturally distinctive garments, quilts, and other items, enriching the diversity of their cultural expressions.

4. Integration of Economy and Culture

Beyond being a form of cultural heritage, the Huocao Weaving Craft also contributes to local economic development. By creating ethnic-themed products such as tea mats, coasters, and traditional clothing, the craft brings economic benefits to local communities while enhancing the brand value of ethnic culture.

5. Cultural Innovation and Sustainable Development

In the new era, the Huocao Weaving Craft continues to innovate by blending traditional skills with modern design concepts, creating fashionable and culturally rich products. This innovation revitalizes the ancient craft and provides new pathways for the inheritance and development of ethnic culture in contemporary society.

6. Education and Transmission

Through a “master-apprentice” model and regular training workshops, the Huocao Weaving Craft is being passed down to younger generations. This approach not only preserves traditional techniques but also cultivates new inheritors, ensuring the future continuation of ethnic culture.

The Huocao Weaving Craft is not only an essential part of minority cultures but also a critical carrier for the transmission and innovation of ethnic traditions. It plays an irreplaceable role in protecting and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic groups.

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