Architecture, Ritual and Cosmology in China: The Buildings of the Order of the Dong

This book provides a detailed account of the architecture and techniques of the Dong people in southwest China, exploring their cosmology, rituals, and symbolic meanings. It examines how the buildings and techniques are ordered and influenced by the local culture and context, and highlights the significance of timber bridges and drum towers as architectural monuments. The book is an anthropological study and aims to contribute to the interdisciplinary research area of architecture and culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on extensive fieldwork in the Dong areas of southwest China, this book offers a comprehensive portrayal of the Dongs architectural styles and techniques, providing fresh insights into their cosmology and daily rituals intertwined with the architecture. It delves into the organization and influence of the Dongs buildings and techniques within the local cultural and contextual framework.

The timber bridges and drum towers stand as the most prominent architectural landmarks of the Dong community. Typically constructed with intricate designs, featuring multiple roofs, these structures were meticulously crafted by local carpenters who also built the village suspended houses, passing down the oral tradition from father to son or to apprentices. These buildings were entirely funded by the local people and were often built in locations where there was minimal traffic or no existing bridge nearby. The considerable expense incurred in constructing these elaborately designed buildings begs the question: why does the Dong community invest so much resources into their buildings? How were these structures constructed? And what meanings do they hold for their users and builders?

This book serves as an anthropological exploration of the Dongs architecture and technique, with the primary objective of contributing to the interdisciplinary field of research. It is designed to appeal to graduate and postgraduate readers interested in delving deeper into the complexities of this unique cultural heritage.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032133553