Lin Dong- Inheritor of Legend of the Ancestor of Lhoba Ethnic Group in Mainling County, Nyingchi, Tibet

Lin Dong (林东) is a prominent Tibetan man from Mainling County (米林县), Nyingchi (林芝), Tibet Autonomous Region. He is the inheritor of the Legend of the Ancestor of the Lhoba Ethnic Group (珞巴族始祖传说), which is a national-level intangible cultural heritage of China. Recognized for his contribution to preserving the oral traditions of the Lhoba people, Lin Dong was officially designated as a national-level inheritor of this legend in 2018.

Early Life and Learning of Lhoba Culture

Lin Dong was born into the Lhoba ethnic group, a small community living in the border areas of Tibet. The Lhoba people have a rich oral tradition, passing down their history, stories, customs, and knowledge through generations without a written language. Growing up, Lin Dong was deeply immersed in the life and traditions of his people.

Until the mid-20th century, the Lhoba people maintained their traditional lifestyle of slash-and-burn agriculture and hunting. In 1985, Lin Dong and his family moved to Nanyi Lhoba Ethnic Township (南伊珞巴民族乡) in Mainling County (米林县), where he began learning the Lhoba ancestor legends from his elders. The Abadani Legend System (阿巴达尼传说体系) he mastered includes 10 typical stories related to creation myths and totem origins, among other cultural tales.

Preservation and Performance of the Legend

Lin Dong’s contributions to preserving the Lhoba ancestor legend are remarkable. He performs these ancient stories through oral narration and chanting during various labor activities, festivals, and religious ceremonies. His performances are unique, as he wears traditional attire such as bear-skin capes and bamboo-rattan helmets, embodying the centuries-old customs of his people.

Lin Dong’s dedication to this oral tradition has helped keep the Lhoba legends alive in a modern world. He has made significant efforts to pass down these stories in their original form, contributing to the cultural heritage of the Lhoba people.

Recognition and Honors

In 2011, the Legend of the Ancestor of the Lhoba Ethnic Group was officially included in the third batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage. Lin Dong was nominated in December 2017 for the fifth batch of national-level inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. In May 2018, he was officially recognized as one of the national-level inheritors of this ancient tradition.

Contribution to the Lhoba Community

Lin Dong’s efforts go beyond performance. He has also played an important role in promoting and preserving the Lhoba culture, ensuring the continuation of his people’s unique traditions. His work as an inheritor of the Lhoba ancestor legends has made him a respected figure in his community, and his cultural advocacy has had a lasting impact.