Weaving rainbows: A guardian of Mosuo culture by Lugu Lake

Under the vast blue skies of Yunnan, in the tranquil village of Wenquan in Yongning Town, near Lugu Lake, lives an extraordinary woman named Aqi Duzhima. As a provincial-level inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, she uses her skilled hands to weave vibrant rainbow-colored shawls that drape over the shoulders of the Mosuo people, symbolizing their cultural identity and heritage.

In 1991, Aqi Duzhima began learning the intricate craft of Mosuo shawl weaving under the guidance of village elders. Over the decades, she mastered this ancient art and, in 2006, established the Ninglang County Mosuo Traditional Hand-Weaving Factory, the only textile enterprise in the village. Her dedication and skill earned her the title of Provincial-Level Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor in 2007.

For Aqi, every shawl represents the harmony between Mosuo culture and nature’s beauty. She believes that only the most natural cotton and hemp threads, woven with a devoted heart, can capture the true spirit of this tradition.

Following a meticulous process that includes more than ten intricate steps, she transforms simple materials into stunning works of art. Each thread carries her unwavering commitment to preserving the Mosuo way of life, embodying warmth, pride, and identity.

Through her artistry, Aqi Duzhima ensures that the colors of the Mosuo culture remain vibrant. Her shawls are not just clothing but cultural artifacts, blending traditional techniques with the timeless beauty of the Mosuo people’s connection to their land.

Her work is a testament to the power of craft in preserving identity. As she weaves her rainbows, she carries forward the stories, values, and spirit of her community for future generations.
In the quiet corners of Lugu Lake, Aqi Duzhima’s hands create more than shawls—they weave the enduring legacy of the Mosuo people.

Source: Mini Lijiang; Trans-editing by Mo Yingyi