Naxi People

The Naxi people are one of China's 56 recognized ethnic groups, primarily residing in the Hengduan Mountains of northwestern Yunnan Province and southwestern Sichuan Province. They are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, particularly the Dongba religion and the unique Dongba pictographic script. The Dongba religion is rooted in Tibetan Bön beliefs, with 'Dongba' meaning 'wise man' in the Naxi language. The Dongba serves as a ceremonial master who interconnects the present world with spiritual realms through sacred rituals. The Dongba pictographic script, created over 1,000 years ago before the Tang Dynasty, is considered the 'only living pictograph in the world' today. Historically, certain Naxi communities (particularly the Mosuo subgroup around Lugu Lake) maintained matrilineal family structures where property and assets passed down through the woman's side. However, mainstream Naxi society has been significantly influenced by Han Chinese culture and Confucian practices since 1723 when Lijiang came under Chinese control, which diminished these matriarchal customs. Naxi women are renowned for being independent, strong-minded, clever, and highly skilled individuals, holding respected positions in their families and communities. The Naxi people have preserved their unique identity through their ancient music traditions, the Dongba script, and cultural practices that blend shamanism, animism, and Tibetan Buddhism.