Preserving An Yue's (安岳) Rich Cultural Traditions
In the picturesque county of An Yue, nestled in the heart of Sichuan Province, an ancient cultural legacy continues to thrive. Known for its remarkable collection of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), An Yue is home to diverse traditions that have been passed down through generations. As the saying goes, "Cultural heritage is like an elderly sage, watching history pass by with helplessness, needing to be seen by the world." Indeed, the county's heritage, from stone carving to folk music and culinary delights, tells the stories of its people's ingenuity, labor, and creativity over millennia.
An Yue is not just a place with rich history—it's a living testament to the creativity and resilience of its people. Here, ancient craftsmanship is not confined to museums but is actively preserved and practiced by the people, many of whom are proud inheritors of these traditions. From its famous stone carvings to its unique bamboo weaving and folk opera, the county's heritage is a treasure trove of art, craft, and story.
An Yue's history as a "home of stone carvings" is unmatched, with over 100,000 ancient stone carvings scattered across the region. These stunning works are notable for their diversity, precision, and beauty, representing a unique chapter in Chinese stone carving. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, An Yue stone carvings have long been celebrated for their intricacy and spiritual significance, depicting everything from Buddhist icons to Confucian and Daoist symbols.
The technique of stone carving in An Yue is complex, requiring great skill to carve figures and intricate designs, often featuring both the robust lines of the Wei-Jin period and the delicate elegance of the Tang Dynasty. This craftsmanship combines aesthetic beauty with deep philosophical and spiritual themes. In 2008, An Yue's traditional stone carving techniques were recognized by the Chinese government as a national intangible cultural heritage, cementing its place as one of China's most treasured crafts.
The legacy of stone carving in An Yue is not only preserved in its historical artifacts but is also actively passed down by skilled artisans. Master carver Shi Yong'en (石永恩), who has been recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor, continues to keep this art alive. His mastery of the craft has made him a living bridge between the past and future of An Yue's stone carving tradition.
Another remarkable facet of An Yue's cultural fabric is its tradition of bamboo weaving, which dates back to the Warring States period. Initially used for creating simple household items, bamboo weaving evolved, incorporating artistic and functional designs that reflect the ingenuity of the local people. During the Tang Dynasty, bamboo weaving flourished, with artisans crafting delicate birdcages, chairs, and mats.
The craftsmanship involved in bamboo weaving is both intricate and refined, with some pieces incorporating up to 150 strands of bamboo in just one inch. The art of bamboo weaving is characterized by its transparency, elegance, and lifelike appearance. The products, which include paintings, portraits, and floral patterns, are often described as "crystal-clear" and "vivid." The tradition continues to be a source of pride for the people of An Yue, with bamboo woven goods seen as not just practical items but also fine art.
In 2009, An Yue's bamboo weaving was officially recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its significance in the county's cultural identity. Whether in the form of home decor or personal accessories, bamboo weaving is a quintessential part of An Yue's artistic landscape.
An Yue is also famous for its traditional opera, known as "An Yue Quju," a distinctive blend of local musical and theatrical traditions. Emerging from the fusion of Sichuan Qingyin, Shaanxi Lang'e opera, and Sichuan Yangqin opera, An Yue Quju developed into a unique art form, combining light, melodic songs with comedic elements and spectacular dance.
An Yue Quju stands out for its vibrant performances and strong moral themes, often celebrating virtue and criticizing vice. With a rich repertoire of plays, including well-known works such as "An An Sends Rice" and "Autumn River", An Yue Quju (曲剧) is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of educating the public about ethics, beauty, and the importance of community values.
In 2014, An Yue Quju was included in the list of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, cementing its place as one of Sichuan's treasured forms of performing arts. The performances, which blend local dialects with vibrant costumes and music, have earned An Yue Quju a reputation far beyond the region.
From the impressive stone carvings to the delicate bamboo weaving, from the lively Quju performances to the vibrant local cuisine, An Yue's traditions provide a glimpse into the history, wisdom, and creativity of people who have long lived in harmony with their surroundings.
Among the other notable intangible cultural heritages of An Yue are its unique food traditions, such as the production of An Yue rice rolls and the famous "Shanxin Liangfen (山西凉粉)" (cold noodles) from Zhouli Town, which have become local culinary symbols. These dishes represent not only the agricultural heritage of An Yue but also the creativity and deep understanding of flavor and texture that the people have developed over centuries.
Moreover, traditional crafts like An Yue mud sculpture, which incorporates influences from both local and Buddhist iconography, and the martial art of Lao Zu Taiji (老祖太极), a precursor to Tai Chi, are integral parts of the country's living culture.
In recent years, An Yue has worked hard to preserve and promote these traditional arts, ensuring that future generations will continue to appreciate and contribute to these rich cultural traditions.
An Yue's cultural heritage is not merely a collection of ancient practices—it is a living, breathing part of the community, a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who have created, maintained, and cherished these treasures for centuries. As the world continues to modernize, An Yue's intangible cultural heritage remains a vital and cherished part of both its identity and its future.
