Weaving and dyeing: The traditional crafts of the Yi people of Meigu Liangshan, China

This article explores the making process and inheritance of a mysterious and unique Chinese folk craft tradition, the art of weaving and dyeing among the Yi people of Meigu Liangshan. From field research in Meigu Liangshan whose textile weaving and dyeing is relatively well preserved, we explore the national cultural significance and scientific connotation contained in this tradition by focusing on the making process of two representative woven and dyed wool products, pizhan and caerwa. We also reveal the relationship between the developments of this craft tradition and society. We find that the weaving and dyeing of the Yi people is a combination of art and science, which contains a large number of textile, dyeing and finishing knowledge and skills, which are gradually declining with the development and change of Chinese society as a whole. Based on this situation, we analyse the reasons why weaving and dyeing amongst the Yi of Meigu Liangshan is endangered and give some suggestions for the future preservation of this craft.