The traditional textile spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering techniques of China's Li ethnic group were added to the UNESCO-endorsed Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 5.
These techniques have been passed down for 3,000 years, with the Li women picking them up generation after generation without any written records. When their survival seemed to be under threat, these techniques were added onto the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009.
In recent years, Hainan Province, where much of the Li population lives, has made efforts to encourage the passing on and progress of these techniques, as well as their promotion overseas. Their inclusion on the Representative List is a reflection of these efforts.
The Chinese Traditional Culture Museum in Beijing is currently staging an exhibition to showcase the history, characteristics, protection and innovation of Li textiles. The exhibition runs from December 6 until January 5, 2025.
(Text and photos by Wei Yao)