A Civilizational Scroll Amidst the Charm of Guangxi and Miao Culture – A Visit to the Guangxi Nationalities Museum
Stepping into the Guangxi Nationalities Museum is like crossing a barrier of time, plunging into a cultural galaxy interwoven with the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong ethnic groups. This building, nestled against the verdant mountains and beside the Yong River, is itself rich in regional characteristics. Its vermilion pillars paired with black-tiled eaves, adorned with bronze drum patterns, exude both the solemnity of traditional architecture and the vibrancy of ethnic art, filling visitors with anticipation for its wonders even before entering.
The second-floor exhibition hall, "The Ethnic Code Through a Thousand Years," is truly the highlight. Upon entering the hall, a massive array of bronze drums immediately captures the eye. These "artifacts," bearing the wisdom of the Zhuang ancestors, are engraved with sun and cloud/thunder patterns. The deep, resonant sound when struck seems to penetrate a thousand years, recounting the ancient rituals and celebrations. Inside the glass display case, the shimmering colors of Zhuang brocade are captivating. On the predominantly red, yellow, and blue brocade, lifelike flowers, birds, fish, and insects are depicted. The guide explains that each piece of Zhuang brocade takes weavers months or even years to complete, and the intricate stitches reveal the Zhuang girls' skill and deep affection.
Turning the display case, the Yao silver ornaments section is dazzling. Heavy silver crowns, necklaces, and bracelets are engraved with auspicious patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, and butterflies, reflecting a brilliant light in the sunlight. It is said that Yao silver ornaments are not only decorations but also symbols of wealth. A bride's complete set of silver ornaments, weighing dozens of kilograms, jingles as she walks, like a flowing folk song. The Dong ethnic drum tower model nearby was equally stunning. Constructed entirely of wooden components using mortise and tenon joints without a single nail or rivet, its upturned eaves perfectly replicating the exquisite craftsmanship and grandeur of a real drum tower, inspiring admiration for the superb skills of the Dong artisans.
Standing on the museum's terrace, gazing out over the gently flowing Yong River and the lush green Qingxiu Mountain, the natural scenery and the ethnic culture within the museum complemented each other, further emphasizing the profound history and vibrant energy of this land.
This trip to the Guangxi Nationalities Museum was both a visual feast and a spiritual cleansing. The artifacts, techniques, and scenes of daily life spanning millennia allowed me to deeply appreciate the diversity and brilliance of Guangxi's various ethnic cultures, and to understand the profound meaning of "each culture has its own beauty, and together we create a harmonious whole."