CULTURAL GENE ANALYSIS OF WUDING YI COSTUMES

Abstract

Against the backdrop of rapid modernization, the structural connotations of traditional ethnic costume cultures and their modes of transmission have attracted renewed academic attention. As an important cultural form carrying historical memory and cultural identity, Wuding Yi costumes possess significant research value. This study aims to identify the core cultural genes of Wuding Yi costumes and to reveal the internal mechanisms underlying the gradual weakening of their spiritual essence. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study systematically analyzes the symbolic systems and deep cultural structures of Yi costumes from the Nasu and Naisu branches through literature review and fieldwork investigation. The results indicate that the cultural genes of Wuding Yi costumes are primarily manifested in the coexistence of ancient and modern materials, the continuity of ancient Qiang spiritual traditions, the aesthetic legacy of ancient nobility, and the integrative characteristics formed through long-term multi-ethnic interactions. However, in the process of modernization, these cultural transmission chains are gradually breaking, leading to an increasing tendency toward symbolic and superficial expressions of spiritual meaning. This study deepens the theoretical understanding of the structural foundations of Yi costume culture and provides support for cultural genes preservation and the contemporary design translation of cultural elements.