Research on the Heritage Value of Chiang Nationality Costumes in China: A Case Study in Western Sichuan Province

• Main Authors: Yi-da An, Xin Yi, Qing Wang, Wei-po Yan, Ya-lin Guo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Mountain Society 2019-11-01
• Series: Mountain Research and Development
• Subjects: chiang nationality; costume geography; cultural heritage; cultural symbol; geodetector; spatial differentiation
• Online Access: https://bioone.org/doi/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-19-00043.1
• ISSN: 0276-4741; 1994-7151

The Chiang are a significant ethnic group in China. Their traditional costumes have distinctive regional styles and represent strong cultural diversity. This research deconstructs the Chiang costume and examines its elements. Here, we clarified the status of the current heritage value of the Chiang costume and the main factors affecting its spatial differentiation. The spatial differentiation pattern of Chiang costume heritage values was determined and correlated with natural factors. The research suggests the following: (1) Chiang embroidery is the most important element of the Chiang costume in terms of heritage, whereas the Shibi costume has the lowest heritage value, illustrating that the heritage value of the costume is closely related to its practicality and how much it is worn in daily life. (2) Natural factors (temperature > elevation > precipitation) best explain the spatial differentiation of Chiang costume heritage values. (3) The heritage values of the Chiang costume in the study area show distinct spatial differentiation, increasing with elevation. Finally, the research method (identification of elements, establishment of the element list, clarification of current heritage status, clarification of the driving force, and finally determination of pattern) can be applied to studies of other ethnic cultures to improve monitoring and management of regional cultural heritage conditions.