Yang Yongfu - Inheritor of Dai Mascot White Elephant-making Craft in Gengma County, Lincang 

Introduction

Yang Yongfu (杨永富), also known by his Dai name Ai Wu (艾五), was born in 1949 in Mengyong Village (勐永村), Mengyong Town (勐永镇), Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County (耿马傣族佤族自治县), Lincang City (临沧市), Yunnan Province (云南省). He is a provincial-level inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, best known for his mastery of making the Dai people’s auspicious white elephant effigies and performing the White Elephant Dance.

Quick Facts

Craftsmanship and Skills

Origins of His Craft

From a young age, Yang displayed intelligence, curiosity, and a strong interest in ethnic handicrafts. By closely observing and imitating local elders, he gradually mastered essential techniques. His talent was soon recognized, and he was invited to join in the making of white elephants.

By 1982, Yang was able to craft a white elephant independently. That same year, he led a White Elephant Dance troupe to perform at the opening ceremony of the Lincang City (临沧市) Sports Games, marking a milestone in his artistic journey.

Making the White Elephant

The process is both intricate and labor-intensive, with strict requirements for materials. The craft involves three main steps:

1. Building the frame of the elephant.

2. Weaving and shaping the body.

3. Decorating and finishing touches, which bring the sacred effigy to life.

Contributions and Current Challenges

Dedication to Festivals

Yang’s greatest contributions are his voluntary efforts during festivals. At every Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节), communities across Gengma (耿马) prepare materials together, and Yang takes on the role of making the white elephant free of charge. He also assists other villages when invited, accepting only minimal payment.

Transmission Crisis

Unfortunately, this precious skill is in danger. White elephant making is time-consuming, physically demanding, and yields little income, discouraging younger generations from learning. While a few elderly villagers can help with simpler tasks, Yang remains the only artisan in his community who fully masters the complete process of white elephant crafting and performance. To date, he has no apprentice to carry on his legacy, leaving the tradition in a fragile state.

Cultural Background

The White Elephant Dance, together with the Malu Deer Dance (马鹿舞), was inscribed in 2021 as part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list (Fifth batch). This recognition underscores its significance as a cultural treasure.

Legend of the White Elephant

According to Dai legend, a beloved Dai prince once raised a white elephant with a human-like spirit that tirelessly helped local people. After its arrival, the land experienced prosperity, good harvests, and harmony. The white elephant thus became a symbol of good fortune. To this day, during the Dai ritual known as “Zuo Zhan” (做赕)—a blessing ceremony—the White Elephant Dance is performed to seek divine protection and well-being.

Conclusion

Yang Yongfu stands as a custodian of Dai cultural heritage, preserving the sacred tradition of the white elephant and its dance. His artistry embodies both ritual significance and communal identity, while also reflecting the challenges faced in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. His story is both an inspiration and a call to action: without new apprentices, this centuries-old tradition may soon fade away.