Dynamic Authenticity: Understanding and Conserving Mosuo Dwellings in China in Transitions

Feng, Huichao and Xiao, Jieling (2020) Dynamic Authenticity: Understanding and Conserving Mosuo Dwellings in China in Transitions. Sustainability, 13 (1). p. 143. ISSN 2071-1050

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Abstract

Mosuo dwellings are distinctive vernacular architecture forms that are shaped by the unique matriarchal society of Mosuo in Southwest China. They have undergone dramatic transformations during the 21st century as a result of modernization and tourism. There is a lack of theoretical and empirical studies regarding the impact on the authenticity. This paper aims to fill this gap and develops a theoretical framework—cultural architectural assets—to understand and interpret the transitions of Mosuo dwellings and their authenticity in transitions. Adopting an anthropological methodology approach, this article examines the changes and continuities of Mosuo dwellings during the last thirty years. Fieldwork was conducted in nine Mosuo villages in Yongning Township through a range of qualitative methods, including participatory observations, photographic survey and photo elicitation interviews. The investigation results revealed cultural-architectural elements that are continued in the transitions include the courtyard form, the sacred chamber and the grandmother’s house; cultural-architectural elements that are changing include the flower house and grass house; cultural-architectural elements that are disappearing include the back room (Dupan) and the upper hearth in the grandmother’s house as well as the wooden shingle roof. As a result, the study constructs a conservation approach for sustainable development in three dimensions: living culture, building culture and values and beliefs. This analytical framework can be adapted to be applied to different contexts as a sustainable approach for the conservation and development of vernacular architecture in transitions.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3390/su13010143
Dates:	Date Event 22 December 2020 Accepted 25 December 2020 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	dynamic authenticity, vernacular architecture in transition, cultural architectural asset, sustainable conservation, mosuo dwellings
Subjects:	CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-01 - architecture CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-02 - building
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts, Design and Media > College of Architecture
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	16 Jan 2023 14:36
Last Modified:	16 Jan 2023 14:36
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13940

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