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  • Li Zhati- Inheritor of Lahu Lusheng-making Craft in Lancang County, Puer 

    05/06/2019Brittany Tian2300 wordsAbout 8 minutes

    Li Zhati (李扎体) from Nanlu Village (南陆村), Nangahe Natural Village (南嘎河自然村), Muga Township (木嘎乡), Lancang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县), Pu’er City (普洱市), Yunnan Province, is a highly respected Provincial Representative Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He is renowned for his mastery in Lahu Sheng (reed pipe) making (拉祜族芦笙制作技艺).

    ? Quick Profile

    Item Information
    Name Li Zhati (李扎体)
    Ethnicity Lahu (拉祜族)
    Year of Birth 1948
    Birthplace Nanlu Village (南陆村), Nangahe Natural Village (南嘎河自然村), Muga Township (木嘎乡), Lancang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县), Pu’er City (普洱市), Yunnan Province
    Heritage Project Lahu Sheng (reed pipe) making (拉祜族芦笙制作技艺)
    Heritage Level Provincial (3rd batch)

    ? Craft Tradition and Characteristics

    Family Heritage

    Born into a family of Sheng makers, Li Zhati grew up immersed in this craft. He began learning from his father, Li Afu (李阿福), at the age of 15 and was able to make instruments independently by 20. He now has over 40 years of experience.

    Craftsmanship

    Li Zhati’s instruments are carefully made at every step, from selecting bamboo to finishing. His Sheng are loud, melodically accurate, and can be customized in any scale. Beyond crafting, he is also an accomplished musician, skilled in playing the Sheng, Xiangmie (jaw harp), and Ligadu—all traditional Lahu instruments.

    ? Contributions and Cultural Impact

    • Cultural Exchange: His Sheng and Xiangmie have been gifted as traditional Lahu instruments to distinguished guests from Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries.

    • Performance and Media: Instruments made by Li Zhati have been featured in the 50th anniversary of Lancang County celebrations, as well as in performances in Beijing and Shanghai. His craft and performances have been featured in television documentaries, promoting Lahu culture to a wider audience.

    • Apprenticeship: To ensure the craft continues, he has trained successors, including Li Zhafa (born 1971). In addition, he is skilled in herbal medicine, bamboo weaving, and woodworking, making him a versatile master of traditional Lahu arts.

    ? Heritage Recognition

    The Lahu Sheng-making technique was included in the first batch of Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage lists in 2006, highlighting its cultural importance. As of October 2024, Lancang County (澜沧县) counts 30 provincial-level heritage inheritors, with Li Zhati being one of its most prominent figures.

    ? Conclusion

    Li Zhati is not only a master instrument maker but also a cultural ambassador of the Lahu people. His meticulously crafted Sheng carry both the musical spirit and cultural heritage of the Lahu, bringing the traditions of southern Yunnan to life for audiences both locally and internationally.

    Li Zhati- Inheritor of Lahu Lusheng-making Craft in Lancang County, Puer 

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