The Relationship Between The Early Naxi And Tibetans From The Historical Records And Anthropological
Ye lha bhar
Tibetan Language and Literature Department, Northwest University for Nationalities
Among the Himalayan nations, Tibetans and Naxi have their own respective, rich cultural heritages. The relationship between these two nationalities’ history and culture is considered an important chapter of the history and culture of China’s southwest nationalities. At the same time, both play important roles in the overall history of China. From the analysis of archaeological remains discovered amongst rock coffin burial sites as well as Tibetan, Chinese and Naxi language historical documents, also language and anthropological records, there is evidence that these two nationalities originate from one root. They are as such, two branches. We can say that Tibetans and Naxi were close relatives. The original Naxi are a combination of local groups and descendants of the early Qiang Tibantans who migrated to the Zhengchuan area during the Chunqiu Zhanguo period. In addition, they brought their Bon religion to the new areas they came to inhabit. As the tubo expanded their power into Naxi territories, the tubo emperors came to rule the naxi. With that, there were a tightly interwoven relationship between the Naxi and Tibetan fields of politics, culture, religion, and economic trading. Further, Naxi tradition was influenced by Tibetan cultural and religious practices. Although Naxi culture greatly transformed after its migration south, it still retained much of its original identity. Meanwhile, it is also a mixed culture due to friendly interaction and exchange with Tibetans.
Wile scholars debate the relationship between Tibetans and Naxi, most of their arguments are based on Chinese historical records and early historians’ accounts and there have been no academic papers to date compiled on the basis of Tibetan historical records. There are scattered documents in the Tibetan archives describing the complex relationship between Tibetans and Naxi but more research based on pieces concerning the relationship between the politics and culture of Tibetans and Naxi is necessary. Using contemporary anthropological techniques, it is academically of prime significance to discuss cultural change, linguistic interrelationships and the influence of religion between the two.
