Mi Zaijun - Inheritor of Dai Brocade Textile Craft in Jiangcheng County, Puer 

Mi Zaijun: A Guardian of Dai Brocade and Inheritor of Jiangcheng’s Textile Heritage

Basic Background and Learning Journey

​​Mi Zaijun (咪仔君)​​, also spelled "Mi Zaijun," a ​​Dai ethnic woman (傣族女性)​​ born in ​​1929 (1929年)​​ in ​​Maluanzhai, Zhengdong Town, Jiangcheng County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province (云南省普洱市江城县整董镇麻乱寨)​​, is a ​​second batch of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage representative inheritor (第二批省级非物质文化遗产代表性传承人)​​ for ​​traditional Dai brocade weaving (傣锦纺织技艺)​​. A lifelong weaver, she has dedicated nearly five decades to crafting Dai brocade using traditional wooden looms, mastering intricate patterns and techniques. Renowned for her exceptional skill in weaving "tongpa"(筒帕, Dai shoulder bags), her work embodies the essence of Dai textile culture. As a key figure in preserving this ancient craft, she has been instrumental in passing down Dai brocade traditions to younger generations.

Learning Journey: A Lifetime of Thread and Tradition

Mi’s connection to Dai brocade is deeply rooted in her cultural upbringing:

• ​​Cultural Immersion​​: Born into a Dai community in Maluanzhai, she absorbed the tribe’s textile heritage from childhood, surrounded by the sights of handwoven brocade, vibrant threads, and the rhythmic clatter of wooden looms—a common scene in her village.
• ​​Informal Apprenticeship​​: Her skills were honed through daily practice and observation, typical of traditional Dai craft transmission. Though formal records of her training are sparse, her decades-long mastery of the wooden loom and encyclopedic knowledge of traditional patterns underscore her self-driven dedication.

Artistic Characteristics and Technical Mastery

Mi’s craft is defined by precision, cultural depth, and reverence for tradition:

Dai Brocade Craftsmanship: Techniques and Aesthetics

• ​​Materials​​: She uses locally sourced cotton, linen, silk, wool, and even gold/silver threads, chosen for their durability and vibrant hues.
• ​​Loom and Process​​: Working on a traditional seated wooden loom, she follows a meticulous workflow: designing patterns, creating "pattern boards" (wenban), arranging colored warp and weft threads, and weaving. This method ensures intricate, durable designs.
• ​​Pattern Symbolism​​: Her brocade features motifs drawn from nature (peacocks, elephants, flowers) and architecture (pagodas, bamboo houses), each carrying cultural meaning—peacocks symbolize beauty, elephants strength, and pagodas spiritual aspiration.

"Tongpa" (筒帕): Her Signature Work

Mi is particularly celebrated for her "tongpa"(Dai shoulder bags). These bags, woven with traditional patterns like peacocks or lotus flowers, blend functionality (daily use for carrying essentials) with artistry. Their vibrant colors and intricate designs make them both practical and culturally significant, often gifted during festivals or weddings.

Cultural Contributions and Legacy

Safeguarding Dai Brocade Heritage

As a provincial inheritor, Mi has preserved Dai brocade—a craft with over a millennium of history, recognized as a ​​national intangible cultural heritage​​. Her studio, though informal, serves as a living classroom where she shares techniques like pattern design and loom operation, ensuring the craft’s survival.

Nurturing Community Craftsmanship

While she may not have formal disciples, Mi’s influence permeates the local weaving community. Other weavers in Maluanzhai and beyond seek her guidance, learning traditional patterns and techniques from her. This informal mentorship has fostered a small but dedicated group of younger weavers, keeping the tradition alive.

Strengthening Cultural Identity

Mi’s work reinforces Dai cultural pride. Her brocade, worn during festivals and daily life, is a visible symbol of Dai identity. As the Dai proverb states, "A Dai woman who can’t weave is like a mountain without trees"—Mi’s craft keeps this adage alive, connecting generations through thread.

Cultural Context of Dai Brocade in Zhengdong Town

Historical Roots

Zhengdong Town’s Dai brocade tradition dates to ancient times, with roots in Ming Dynasty silk and velvet crafts. The town, known as "Jingduo Ang" (景多昂, "Copper City") in Dai, is a stronghold of Dai culture, with 10 generations-old Dai villages—including Chengzi Sanzhai (城子三寨)—listed as Traditional Chinese Villages (2013).

Regional Significance

Dai brocade is a cornerstone of Zhengdong’s cultural identity. Mi’s work, rooted in Maluanzhai, exemplifies the town’s commitment to preserving this heritage amid modernization.

Challenges and Preservation

Challenges

• ​​Aging Artisans​​: Few young people master the craft’s complexity.
• ​​Market Pressures​​: Machine-made goods undercut handmade quality.

Protective Efforts

• ​​Policy Support​​: Mi is recognized as a provincial inheritor; her work is cataloged in Yunnan’s intangible heritage.
• ​​Community Initiatives​​: Zhengdong has established two Dai brocade workshops (Nuopade and Pasa Jin), employing 30+ weavers, to sustain the craft.
• ​​Tourism Integration​​: "Intangible heritage + tourism" programs showcase brocade weaving, boosting visibility and income.

Conclusion

Mi Zaijun is more than a weaver—she is a ​​guardian of Dai soul (傣族文化的精神守护者)​​. Her hands, calloused by five decades of weaving, have transformed cotton and silk into cultural treasures. Through quiet dedication and informal mentorship, she ensures Zhengdong’s Dai brocade legacy will thrive for generations.To learn more, contact the ​​Jiangcheng County Culture and Tourism Bureau (江城县文化和旅游局)​​ or visit Zhengdong Town to witness Mi’s craft and the living heritage of Dai brocade.