Batik ornaments of the Bui people of Guizhou Province (China)

The study focuses on batik textiles with traditional ornaments created by the Buyi ethnic group in Guizhou Province, China. The subject encompasses the origins, evolution, and cultural-symbolic significance of these ornaments. This paper provides a detailed examination of several aspects of Buyi batik art, including its historical roots, the materials and techniques employed, and the intrinsic connection between the ornamentation and the people's traditions, beliefs, and worldview. Particular attention is given to analyzing the cultural meaning of the patterns, which reflect the Buyi people's conceptions of virtue, wisdom, and labor. The author also investigates the regional specificities of batik symbolism, underscoring its uniqueness and deep ties to the local culture. The study reveals how batik ornaments serve not only aesthetic purposes but also function as a vital element of the Buyi people's cultural heritage. The research methodology incorporated field study techniques, including interviews with master batik artisans and an analysis of materials collected during a field trip to Guizhou Province. A comparative analysis of the ornaments and their cultural context was also applied. The principal conclusion of the research is the identification of the unique characteristics of Buyi batik ornaments and their profound connection to the cultural heritage of this ethnic group. The novelty of the study lies in its comprehensive analysis of the ornamentation's symbolism, which had not been previously systematically studied. A special contribution of the author to the research topic is the collection and analysis of unique primary-source materials obtained through direct, personal interaction with batik artisans in Guizhou Province. This approach allowed for the elucidation of the regional particularities of Buyi batik art and its role in preserving cultural traditions. In conclusion, the author asserts that the batik ornaments of the Buyi people possess not only high aesthetic value but also constitute an important source of information about the culture, beliefs, and history of this ethnic group. The results of this study can be utilized for further research into Chinese traditional arts and for its promotion and popularization.

Buyi people, batik, ornament, cultural connotation, value, traditional art, symbolism, Guizhou Province, ethnic heritage, textile crafts