Nanbu- Inheritor of Amdo County Tibetan Costumes in Nagqu, Tibet
Nanbu (南布) is a prominent inheritor of Tibetan Costumes (藏族服饰) in Amdo County (安多县), Nagqu, Tibet. She is recognized as a representative inheritor of this national intangible cultural heritage and has dedicated her life to preserving the rich traditions of Tibetan attire.
Introduction to Amdo County Tibetan Costumes
Tibetan costumes from Amdo County, located in the Qinghai Province (青海省), Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (海南藏族自治州), are a unique form of traditional clothing deeply tied to the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The Amdo Tibetan costumes, categorized under Tibetan ethnic clothing, were officially listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage in November 2013 and later elevated to national heritage status in 2014. The protective organization for these traditions is the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Cultural Center (海南藏族自治州文化馆).
The costumes have distinct characteristics, divided into two types: those of the Qingnan Plateau pastoral region (青南高原牧区) and the Hehuang agricultural region (河湟农业区). They predominantly feature sheepskin, while also incorporating silk satin and woolen fabrics. These garments are elaborately adorned with gold and silver thread embroidery, and sometimes, precious materials like pearls and agate.
Nanbu’s Role in Preserving Tibetan Costumes
Nanbu plays a significant role in the ongoing preservation of Amdo Tibetan costumes. Her efforts have been instrumental in passing down the intricate techniques of costume making, which involve both artistic craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.
She is one of the key figures in the development of the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’s non-material cultural heritage initiatives. As part of this program, Yangkhorma (加羊卓玛) was recognized as a provincial-level inheritor (编号05-3050), further strengthening the preservation network. In 2025, the region will host a Tibetan Costume Cultural Arts Festival (藏族服饰文化艺术节) with an allocated budget of 1.65 million yuan to celebrate and promote the region’s costume heritage.
Cultural and Artistic Value of Amdo Tibetan Costumes
Amdo Tibetan costumes hold immense cultural, historical, and artistic value. They embody the primitive religions, Tibetan Buddhism, and ethnic psychology that shape the lives of the Tibetan people. The garments are more than just clothing; they are symbolic representations of the Tibetan people’s spiritual beliefs, social customs, and way of life.
These costumes are an essential part of Tibetan cultural expression and hold a prominent place in ethnological studies. The traditional garments continue to be worn during religious ceremonies, festivals, and other important cultural events.
The Future of Tibetan Costume Heritage
Nanbu’s dedication to preserving the Amdo County Tibetan costume tradition has extended to a broader cultural outreach, with various public exhibitions and performances showcasing the beauty and significance of these garments. These efforts are an important part of the United Nations’ intangible cultural heritage initiatives and have been exhibited during events such as Cultural and Natural Heritage Day (文化和自然遗产日), held in 2025, to display the achievements of heritage preservation.
With continued efforts from dedicated individuals like Nanbu, the Tibetan costume culture will remain vibrant, evolving while retaining its historical roots.
