Symbolic Metaphors in the Yi Ethnic Group’s Bronze Drum Dance in Yunnan Province, China*

The bronze drum dance, as a symbol of the culture of the Yi ethnic group from Funing 富宁 county in Wenshan 文山 prefecture, Yunnan province in southwest China, is mainly used in clan rituals and funerals. It functions as a bond among Yi ethnic groups, maintaining the relationship between different branches with the same roots. Based on field research conducted among three Yi branches in Funing county of Hua Yi (花彝), Bai Hua Yi (白花彝), and Gao Jiao Ku Yi (高裤脚彝), this study delves into the symbolic metaphors embedded in their bronze drums. It seeks to illustrate the cultural genes shared between the ancestors of contemporary Yi people and the ancient traditional culture of China, thereby providing a practical basis for forging community among the Chinese people and building new ethnic relations.