Yi people's saddle

Yi people's saddle

The Yi people's saddle is a national intangible cultural heritage.

　　In the Yi-inhabited areas, there are two types of saddles: riding saddles and pack saddles. Pack saddles are used for transportation, while riding saddles are for horseback travel. Both are made of wood. Nowadays, when referring to a Yi saddle, it typically means the riding saddle, commonly called a "saddle."

　　The Yi people have a strong affinity for archery and horsemanship, and thus place great importance on and take pride in their saddles.

　　Yi saddles are made from tough wooden boards, with the best being made from sunken wood. There are four pieces in total: one at the front in a three-dimensional crescent shape, called the "stirrup bar," one at the back in a semi-circular, bow-like shape called the "rear bridge," and two on the sides that are trapezoidal in shape, equal in size, with curved indentations. Round holes are drilled at the joints where the four wooden pieces meet.

　　The production process involves three steps: first, a carpenter shapes the raw materials into saddle boards according to the saddle model and specifications; then, a lacquer worker applies patterns such as swastika grids, ancient coins, papaya cores, or chrysanthemum petals onto the finished saddle boards using locally produced lacquer. The lacquering techniques on the saddle—known as "flower on wood," "flower on lacquer," and "shadow flower"—are highly refined, especially the "shadow flower" technique, which features intricate patterns with a play of light and shadow, visible yet untouchable, smooth and delicate, and resistant to fading for many years. The boards are then secured with leather cords threaded through the holes. Finally, it is assembled with straps, girths, saddle blankets, and stirrups to form a complete saddle. The best stirrups are made of bronze.

　　The Yi saddle is simple yet exquisite, practical and generous in design. Its characteristics include: unique lacquering techniques compared to others, and a comfortable and easy ride. It is an essential item for the Yi people for horseback travel, weddings and funerals, and battles. Therefore, it is not only an ancient craft of the Yi people but also an indispensable tool.

　　In ancient times, if a Yi family owned a fine Yi saddle, it would be passed down through generations and was highly envied by others. Though not priceless, it was considered a treasured family heirloom, and it was generally not easily given or traded away.