Introduction of skills, Achang handicraft tradition

The Achang nationality in Yunnan is a "knife clan". Achang people live in Husakan, Longchuan County, Dehong Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Achang people have exquisite casting knife skills passed down from generation to generation, and even more skilled craftsmen who are good at making silverware. This issue of Achang Culture will show you Achang handicraft tradition.

The tools cast by Achang nationality are unique in technology and beautiful in shape, and have the reputation of "soft fingers can be wound and iron can be cut like mud". It has a long-standing reputation both inside and outside the province. The long Dao cast by Achang craftsmen is bright in iron color, shiny in cold light, flexible and flexible, and can be hidden around the waist, like a silver belt. When in use, you can walk upright and cut iron and stone. Achang people are good at casting knives and love them very much. Every casting knife should be carefully carved, so that the blade, handle and scabbard can be integrated into a very beautiful work of art. The handle and scabbard are often engraved with patterns such as "Dragonfly and Phoenix Dance", "Tiger Roar", "Flying Swallows Welcome to Spring" and "Dongshan Sunrise", some of which are rough and some are delicate, which are pleasing to the eye and can't be put down.

Achang people are called "skilled craftsmen" and are good at making silverware, which has a history of more than 200 years. Some families are silversmiths, and some three generations make silverware in the same furnace.

The process of making silver ornaments by Achang farmers in Husa Township, Longchuan County is complicated, and there are basically two.

Sheet metal process. Turn silver into silver bars, then roll them into pieces, then divide them into pieces as needed and weld them into various styles one by one. Then they are lined with soft metal to carve patterns. Finally, take out the gasket and weld all the parts together, which is complete.

Drawing process. Roll the melted silver into a round strip, and pull out various specifications of silver wires on different wire bases. In addition to making twisted bracelets, you should carve ribs on silver wire, and the rest are twisted wires. If making a silver chain, cut the drawn silver wire into small circles of various specifications, then connect the small circle to the welded joint with the required length, then twist the small circle into a flat shape with pliers and clean it with ice powder. At this point, a string of silver chains as bright as stars was made. The hardest thing to do is silver earrings. Because the accessories are small, it takes more than forty times to draw. It will roll and twist after pulling. In order to make the earrings look magnificent, it is necessary to tailor two dragon lanterns at the bottom of the earrings.

The welding method of silver jewelry is also very unique. When welding, light the kerosene lamp, put the components on the board, drop the flux and put the patterns to be welded together. Then there is a thin metal tube in the mouth, and the flame of kerosene lamp blows on the silver parts. When blowing fire, you should have a clear goal, even strength. The native silver is very technical, the temperature should be kept between 960℃ and 1000℃, the firepower should be uniform, so much carbon should be added, and the bellows should be pulled smoothly.

All kinds of silver ornaments processed by Achang farmers in Husa township have been deeply loved by ethnic minorities because of their fine production and beautiful style.