A Study on the Visual Symbols of the "NIEDI" Sacrificial Rites of the Lisu Nationality in China

Abstract

In the context of the development of traditional Chinese culture, the local religious culture can not be ignored. Lisu nationality is a unique ethnic group with primitive beliefs.However, with the spread of Christianity in Yunnan at the 19th  century, the core position of primitive religious beliefs in Lisu groups dwelt in Nujiang Prefecture and other regions in Yunnan has passed out of existence.

The sacrificial ceremony of "NIEDI" in Yongsheng portrays the system of gods of Lisu people's primitive folk beliefs, and also reflects the traditional ideology and image system of sacrifice with Lisu people's natural worship as the core.

Based on the field work and  literature  review ,this  paper employs the  research  methods  of  iconology and ethnology to clarify the ritual functions of the "NIEDI" ceremony and the most distinctive paintings, sculptures and other ritual sacrificial objects, interprets the metaphorical conveyance of the visual symbols of the "NIEDI"

ceremony.