Li Zha'er - Bamboo Ware Craftsman in Lancang County, Puer

Li Zha’er (李扎而), from Fubang Township (富邦乡), Lancang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县), Pu’er City (普洱市), Yunnan Province, is a Provincial Representative Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He has dedicated his life to the preservation, promotion, and industrial development of Lahu bamboo weaving techniques (拉祜族竹编技艺).

? Quick Profile

?‍? Craft Tradition and Innovation

Family Legacy

Li Zha’er’s bamboo weaving craft has been passed down through three generations of his family. The process is complex and requires exceptional skill and patience. From selecting the right bamboo, splitting nodes, making strips, and drawing fibers, to dozens of intricate steps such as loose weaving, inserting, threading, shaving, locking, binding, and fitting—straight bamboo poles are transformed into beautiful and practical objects.

Innovation and Modern Adaptation

While firmly rooted in tradition, Li Zha’er actively explores new ways to adapt his craft. He integrates modern design concepts into Lahu weaving, expanding its scope from traditional agricultural tools—such as rice containers, backpacks, and winnowing baskets—to contemporary items like lamps, furniture, and handicrafts that appeal to today’s consumers.

? Transmission and Promotion

• Skill Training: As a lead instructor, Li Zha’er plays an active role in local training programs, teaching villagers everything from the basics of bamboo preparation to advanced weaving patterns.

• Cultural Exchange: He has showcased his skills at major cultural events, such as the 2018 China–South and Southeast Asia Art Week (2018中国·南亚东南亚艺术周), where his live demonstrations were warmly received, bringing wider recognition to Lahu culture.

? Social Impact and Value

• Cultural Value: Lahu bamboo weaving embodies the wisdom of the Lahu people in adapting to and transforming nature through everyday life.

• Economic Value: By adopting an order-based production model, bamboo weaving has become an important source of income for local villagers. This “economy at the fingertips” not only preserves tradition but also creates sustainable livelihoods.

? Conclusion

Li Zha’er is more than a craftsman—he is a cultural ambassador of the Lahu people. Through his dedication to both tradition and innovation, Lahu bamboo weaving continues to thrive as a living heritage, bringing cultural pride, economic opportunity, and artistic beauty to his community in Lancang (澜沧).