‘Fluid’ Identity in Text-Building: A Study of the Revitalization of Origin Tales in West Hunan, China

Abstract

Abstract My research looks into the revitalization of Miao origin myths in the West Hunan minority ethnic autonomous prefecture in China. Based on two years of fieldwork and archival studies, I propose that West Hunan people’s active perception and interpretation of origin myths and folklore of the Miao people comprise and emphasize curational practices of restructuring historical narratives with a special focus on counter-narrativization. I argue that these efforts challenge lineal historical narration by providing counter-curational perspectives. Interpretations of myths and folklore over the issue of Miao identity reveal curations and counter-curations carried out by different institutions and individuals out of various political and social concerns. Overall, the recent revitalization of origin stories about the Heavenly Kings and the various presentations of Miao origin myths demonstrate the fluidity of minority ethnic identity, which combines the construction of linear history (military/political expansion and Sinicization, when non-Han societies came under the influences of Han culture, language, and ethnic identity) and the construction of mythic history (conveying principles and morality). My case studies illustrates counter-curational practices carried out by individuals and local cultural institutions, which lead to restructuring of historical narratives and counter-curational interpretations of minority ethnic cultures.