Zhuo Ma – Tibetan Costume Maker in Deqin County, Diqing 

Zhuoma (卓玛), female, of the Tibetan ethnic group (藏族), was born in 1962 in Ximu Gong Villager Group (习木贡村民小组), Benzilan Village (奔子栏村), Benzilan Town (奔子栏镇), Deqin County (德钦县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州). From a young age, she learned the craft of handmade Tibetan clothing from her father, a renowned local Tibetan clothing artisan. In June 2007, she was recognized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture as a representative inheritor of the third batch of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage items.

Artistic Journey

As the eldest of five sisters, Zhuoma carried the expectations of her family. At the age of 15, she began learning Tibetan clothing craftsmanship under her father’s guidance. After more than a decade of dedicated study, she successfully completed her first set of Tibetan attire. Through hands-on practice, she gradually refined her techniques and pursued excellence in her craft.

Promotion and Transmission

Mentorship

Zhuoma has always taken her role as a cultural inheritor seriously, staying committed to passing on her knowledge and training apprentices. She has organized training classes, with over 20 individuals learning traditional clothing-making skills under her instruction.

Cultural Activities

Clothing made by Zhuoma has been showcased at national and provincial fashion exhibitions in cities such as Beijing (北京) and Shanghai (上海), and has been sold to surrounding regions. She actively participates in various cultural events to highlight the charm of Tibetan attire.

Intangible Heritage Protection

In 2014, Zhuoma founded the Benzilan Qiazengka Ethnic Traditional Clothing Co., Ltd. (奔子栏恰增卡民族传统服饰有限公司), dedicated to preserving and passing down the 1,300-year-old clothing culture of Benzilan (奔子栏).

Craftsmanship Features

Tibetan clothing from Benzilan is known for its vibrant colors, harmonious combinations, and a style that is resplendent, elegant, and majestic. The garments Zhuoma creates play an essential role in the daily lives of local Tibetans—everyone owns at least one set, which is worn during weddings, funerals, festivals, and while dancing the Guozhuang (锅庄) dance.

Social and Economic Value

Zhuoma’s Tibetan clothing factory offers a wide range of products with exquisite craftsmanship, highly favored by the local community. Her company has become the go-to destination for traditional ethnic clothing and has also attracted tourists seeking cultural experiences. By introducing advanced equipment and technology, her company has achieved scaled production to meet growing market demand.

Through mentoring, participating in cultural events, and innovative design, Zhuoma has successfully preserved and promoted the traditional craftsmanship of Tibetan clothing, making significant contributions to the protection and development of this valuable intangible cultural heritage.

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