Inheritors are those who represent a profound national and folk cultural tradition, having mastered an exceptional technology.
I. Song Shuixian
Song Shuixian is one of the representative inheritors of the national intangible cultural heritage project on horsetail embroidery of the Shui ethnic group. Born in 1966 in Sandong Town, Sandu Shui Autonomous County, her journey in the art of Horsetail embroidery began during her childhood, learning from her mother. Subsequently, after marrying into Bangao Village, the birthplace of Horsetail embroidery, she honed her skills under the tutelage of her husband’s grandmother, Pan Shuiying, a renowned and respected local master of Horsetail embroidery.
Song’s passion for preserving Horsetail embroidery was sparked by a serendipitous encounter in 1988 when foreign visitors started to come to Sandu County to study this cultural heritage. These visitors traversed villages, purchasing Horsetail embroidery crafts along the way. It was during one such transaction that Song witnessed a foreigner acquiring a 200-year-old Horsetail embroidery baby-sitting strap from a local woman at a substantial price. This moment deeply impacted Song, as it revealed both the recognition and vulnerability of the Shui ethnic group’s rich cultural heritage. While delighted by the recognition, Song also felt a profound concern. “I was happy that the culture of my people is being recognised, but it also caused a big concern for me at that time,” recalled Song, “if treasures left by our ancestors are all bought away, how could the future generations learn about the history of my people?” Motivated by this realization, Song wholeheartedly embraced the responsibility of inheriting and safeguarding the art of Horsetail embroidery.
Song Shuixian soon put her resolution into action by collecting all kinds of old pieces of Horsetail embroidery in villages of Sandu County. Though living on meagre income, Song persisted in taking a large portion of her modest earnings to buy embroidery craftworks, which she all treasured up in her residence. During her effort for nearly 40 years, she tramped over hills and dales and refused to give up a single piece of the collected Horsetail embroidery works even in times when her family was most pressed with want. She remembered how she requested an exquisite baby-sitting strap from a countrywoman, for whom Song waited for more than three years until the woman finally agreed to sell the strap to her. Song beamed like a child when she recalled the moment getting the precious piece. “I know that’ s it. It’s like telepathy, between me and the Horsetail embroidery handicrafts.” Gritting her teeth through the most difficult times, Song has collected tens of thousands of old objects, including not only Horsetail embroidery handicrafts, but also books written by the language of Shui ethnic group, silver jewellery and copper drums from ancient times.
Song Shuixian dedicated an 89-square-meter room in her family’s residence to establish the first-ever family museum in the Shui region. This museum was opened to the public free of charge, serving as a window for showcasing and promoting the culture of the Shui ethnic group. Through this initiative, local residents and visitors gained access to a valuable display of Shui culture. In recognition of her contributions, Song was elected as a Deputy to the National People’s Congress in 2018. Building on her role as a congresswoman, Song proposed the establishment of a comprehensive center that combines exhibition, training, and sales functions specifically for Horsetail embroidery. In response to her proposal, the center was established in Sandu County the following year. This center not only showcases the protection of Shui culture but also provides a platform for preserving Song’s extensive collection of Horsetail embroidery.
Recognizing the need to adapt traditional culture to the modern era, Song Shuixian has embraced change and adjusted her approach accordingly. In 2006, she took a significant step towards commercializing and promoting Horsetail embroidery by opening the first craft shop in Sandu County. This move marked an important milestone in the development of Horsetail embroidery. In 2016, Song registered her own brand, “Shuixian Horsetail Embroidery,” and forged partnerships with other enterprises to further enhance the visibility and marketability of this traditional craft. With the support of her family and the local government, she established a product research and development base to facilitate sales through both physical and online shops. Song’s efforts in protecting and commercializing Horsetail embroidery have had a positive impact on the economic and cultural development of the Shui regions. Till 2022, it has increased the local employment rate by engaging more than 1,000 local women in the production of Horsetail embroidery commodities, within them, over 60% of used to be poverty-stricken embroiderers. More importantly, the cultural significance of protecting the invaluable intangible heritage is beyond estimation for both China and the world.
II. Wei Taohua
Wei Taohua, born in 1964 in Bangao Village, Sandu Shui Autonomous County, is another representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project on Horsetail embroidery of the Shui ethnic group. From the age of 13, Wei learned the art of Horsetail embroidery from her grandmother. With a talent for design and craftsmanship, she has gained fame as a skilled Horsetail embroidery artist in Sandu Shui Autonomous County.
While honoring tradition, Wei also embraces innovation by incorporating embroidery techniques from other ethnic groups, resulting in unique styles and designs in her Horsetail embroidery works. Her dedication to both preserving the heritage and exploring new creative possibilities has made her a respected figure in the field. In 2006, Wei’s remarkable talent and dedication were recognized when she participated in the “Guizhou Famous Craftsman” competition, where she won the Grand Prize and earned the prestigious title of “The Leading Guizhou Famous Craftsman.” Overwhelmed with joy, she shed tears as a testament to her achievement. With the prize money she received, Wei established her own shop in Sandu County, specializing in the production and sale of her exquisite Horsetail embroidery handicrafts. As her business prospered, Wei generously shared her craft skills with the local women, encouraging their participation and empowering them economically. Through her efforts, many families in the Shui regions have overcome poverty, and the status of women has been significantly elevated. Wei Taohua’s reputation extends beyond her exceptional skills in Horsetail embroidery. She is highly respected for her role in poverty alleviation and the promotion of cultural heritage. Her selflessness and commitment to uplifting her community have made a lasting impact on the lives of many, solidifying her position as a revered figure in the field of Horsetail embroidery and as a catalyst for positive change.
III. Wei Jiagui and Pan Shui-ai
Wei Jiagui and Pan Shui-ai have made significant contributions to the preservation of Horsetail embroidery. Pan is dedicated to the craft of Horsetail embroidery, while her husband Wei Jiagui is primarily involved in the study of the Shui ethnic group’s language and the collection and design of ox horn carvings. In 2007, the couple established a museum to exhibit their extensive collection of Horsetail embroidery treasures, including straps, shoes, wallets, and children’s hats. The museum has had a profound impact on the local community and has garnered attention of the government, earning praise as “the most concentrated and comprehensive family museum showcasing the culture of the Shui ethnic group.”
