Totem Lines from the Island
United Nations Registration No.00168
Heritage Since
A 3,000-year matrilineal tradition in Hainan's Li community
Collector Grade
Less than 1% of textile goods globally use authentic backstrap-loomed fabric
Manual Hours
Each piece requires 36+ hours of artisan labor using plant-dyed thread
📜 Story Behind the Craft
Li brocade, one of China’s oldest textile traditions, has been passed down for over 3,000 years by the Li people of Hainan Island. Each motif, such as birds, humans, and frogs, embodies wishes for harmony, prosperity, and reverence for nature. Traditionally woven by women on a backstrap loom, this complex craft was used for ceremonial wear and dowry items.
This piece reinterprets heritage in a daily form—honoring ancestors while fitting seamlessly into modern life.
📐 Product Specifications
- Material: Handwoven Li brocade fabric, wooden handle, plant-dyed cotton
- Structure: Open main compartment with zipper closure
- Features: Naturally dyed threads using indigo, turmeric, and shunmu; unique pattern on each item due to handmade nature
- Carry style: Handheld or shoulder-hung
🤝 Made with Care
Each handbag is hand-dyed using island-grown plants and woven without electricity on traditional looms. The wooden handles are smoothed and sealed using natural oils, preserving a gentle tactile texture while supporting ecological sustainability. No synthetic dyes or mass production processes are involved.
🧵 Craftsmanship & Ingredients
- Material Sourcing: Local cotton and kapok fibers spun by hand
- Plant Dyes: Indigo, turmeric, and shunmu
- Weaving Method: Traditional backstrap loom requiring days of labor
- Iconography: The bird motif represents loyalty and love, while geometric patterns mirror ancient Li totems
🌏 Artisan & Origin Spotlight
Crafted by Li women in southern Hainan, where brocade weaving is not just a livelihood but a ritual. These bags support generational transmission of textile wisdom and empower local craftswomen economically and creatively.
🏛️ Cultural Heritage Recognition
Rooted in Li Ethnic Textile Traditions
This piece belongs to the intangible legacy of the Li people, whose brocade craft integrates weaving, embroidery, and natural dyeing. It reflects a pre-industrial symbiosis between humans and the environment, symbolizing the resilience and artistry of one of China’s oldest indigenous groups.
UNESCO ICH Recognition
🔖 UNESCO ICH No.00168: Traditional Spinning, Dyeing, and Weaving of the Li Ethnic Group
🔗 Learn more at the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage website →
By carrying this bag, you carry the living memory of island culture—rooted in soil, song, and the thread of time.
Our Promise to You
From quality to care, we’re here to make your experience smooth and meaningful.
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Worldwide Shipping
Carefully packed and shipped with tracking. Wherever you are, we’ll get it to you.
Mindful Packaging
Plastic-free, low-waste materials. Designed to protect your order and the planet.
