Nakhi |
| Total population: |
300,000 |
| Significant populations in: |
Sichuan, Yunnan (China): 300,000
|
| Language | Naxi |
| Religion | Dongba, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism
|
| Alternative names: |
Naqxi, Naxi, Na-khi, Nashi
|
| Related ethnic groups |
Tibetan, Qiang, Mosuo |
The Nakhi (Chinese: 纳西族 Nàxīzú;) are an ethnic group in the foothills of the Himalayas north-west Yunnan Province, China.
Their culture is partly based upon Tibetan Buddhism and is an influence from Tibet. The Nakhi are thought to have descended from Tibet, and until recently maintained overland trading links with Lhasa (and thus India). They were brought to the attention of the world by two men, the American botanist Joseph Rock, and the Russian Daoist doctor Peter Goullart, both of whom lived in Lijiang and travelled throughout the area during the early 20th century. Peter Goullart's book Forgotten Kingdom describes the life and beliefs of the Nakhi and neighbouring peoples, while Joseph Rock's legacy includes diaries, maps and photographs from the region.
The Nakhi form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. The official Chinese government classification classes the Mosuo as part of the Nakhi people, however despite proximity and similar origins in Tibet, the two groups remain culturally distinct. Notably, the Mosuo are a matriarchal society.
Culture
Influenced by Taoism, Lamaism and Dongba, the Nakhi have developed an art form over the centuries that were unique to the Tibetans and the Han Chinese. Their musical orchestra is being appreciated by tourists from all over the world.[1] (http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/yunnan/lijiang/naxi_music.htm)
Writing
Nakhi ladies sitting around in Lijiang The Nakhi have used a variety of scripts in the past, however they eventually developed an intriguing pictographic script of their own. Although beautiful, the Dongba script is difficult to interpret and takes many years to learn. In the past, the Dongba (Nakhi scholar-priests) learnt the script, and would pass it on to future generations by face-to-face instruction. With new generations losing interest in learning Tomba Script from their fathers, the script is now in danger of extinction. But with the establishment of Tomba Culture Research Institute (affiliated to Yunan Provincial Social Science Insitute), some scholars had sought to interpret existing scripts with help from numerous Tomba Priests residing in remote rural villages.
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, a Latin script was developed for the Nakhi language, but it didn't gain popularity. Today, Chinese is in daily use as an offical language of the Nakhi. The formerly home-spoken Nakhi is eventually disappearing from Nakhi families as young parents usually speak Chinese at home to their children, thinking a good mastery of Chinese will benefit the future generation.
The present
The ancient Nakhi town of Lijiang is now a major tourist destination, and its cobbled paths and running waters are extensively photographed by tourists. Some Naxi run shops cater to tourists, such as those serving traditional Naxi bread (baba).
Religion
The Nakhi people follow Lamaism, their native Dongba religion, or Taoism. But the Nakhi people's belief in religion is not very strong today; in fact, there are few believers who are not part of the older generation. Religion does not play a great part in Nakhi society today.
External links
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