UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages in China (II) (4)

Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering

The item, "Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering" was inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009.

The traditional Li textile techniques of spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering are employed by women of the Li ethnic group of Hainan Province, China, to make cotton, hemp and other fibres into clothing and other daily necessities.

Li women design the textile patterns using only their imagination and knowledge of traditional styles. In the absence of a written language, these patterns record the history and legends of Li culture as well as aspects of worship, taboos, beliefs, traditions and folkways.

As carriers of Li culture, traditional Li textile techniques are an indispensable part of the cultural heritage of the Li ethnic group.