Backpacks of the Derung and Nu peoples

Backpacks of the Derung and Nu peoples

　　Backpacks of the Derung and Nu peoples are handwoven and sewn by local women. The raw material comes from a wild hemp plant found on the Danglika Mountain. The hemp is soaked, torn, degummed, softened, and then twisted into threads, which are dyed in a variety of colors using liquids extracted from multiple plants. The Derung blanket is durable and rain-resistant. The weaving method is the same as that used for the Derung blanket, involving over a dozen steps—from peeling the hemp bark, spinning the thread, and setting the heddles according to the pattern, to lifting the heddles, inserting the weft, and beating it in—using a variety of different tools. However, the fabric is narrower and the crafting process is slightly simpler. Today, exquisitely made Derung and Nu backpacks have become a popular and distinctive product of Gongshan. (Nujiang)