{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,1]],"date-time":"2026-10-01T17:07:09Z","timestamp":1790874429162,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":29,"publisher":"SAGE Publications","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,28]],"date-time":"2026-09-28T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1790553600000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/page\/policies\/text-and-data-mining-license"}],"funder":[{"name":"China Ministry of Education Humanities and Social Sciences Fund","award":["24YJA760056"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["24YJA760056"]}]},{"name":"Hubei Research Center of Fashion and Art Fund","award":["25FS003"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["25FS003"]}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["journals.sagepub.com"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Omega (Westport)"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This article examines Naxi funerary culture through the interrelated dimensions of belief, ritual, and materiality, drawing on historical sources, publicly available visual materials, and online semi-structured interviews. It first reviews core beliefs, including the conception that humans possess three souls and the return of the soul to the ancestors, and traces the development of Naxi funerary practices from natural disposal and cremation to contemporary combinations of cremation and burial. Building on existing case records from the Sanba area, it discusses receiving the last breath, the wake, the funeral procession, and cremation, and analyzes Dongba ritual vestments, the deceased\u2019s funerary garment, and relatives\u2019 mourning dress in marking identity, guiding the soul, and structuring mourning. It argues that Naxi funerary practice understands death as spiritual transformation, ancestral reintegration, and social reorganization, offering a localized perspective on death, rites of passage, and dress symbolism.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1177\/00302228261490186","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,28]],"date-time":"2026-09-28T07:43:02Z","timestamp":1790581382000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/sage-journals-update-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["A Study of Naxi Funerary Beliefs, Rituals, Attire and Bereavement Experiences in China"],"prefix":"10.1177","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-8107-9109","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Anding","family":"Liu","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Wuhan Textile University"},{"name":"University of Wuhan Textile, Hubei Research Center of Fashion and Art"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0007-0905-8187","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Jiawen","family":"Wang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Wuhan Textile University"},{"name":"Wuhan Textile University"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Hui","family":"Tao","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Wuhan Textile University"},{"name":"University of Wuhan Textile, Hubei Research Center of Fashion and Art"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"179","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,28]]},"reference":[{"issue":"2","key":"e_1_3_5_2_1","first-page":"88","article-title":"Naxizu secai wenhua gongneng yanjiu [A study of the cultural functions of Naxi color]","author":"Bai G. S.","year":"2001","unstructured":"Bai G. S. (2001). Naxizu secai wenhua gongneng yanjiu [A study of the cultural functions of Naxi color]. Minzu Yishu [National Arts], (2), 88\u201395.","journal-title":"Minzu Yishu [National Arts]"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_3_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1215\/9780822391623"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_4_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1017\/CBO9780511607646.002"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_5_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1191\/1478088706qp063oa"},{"issue":"1","key":"e_1_3_5_6_1","first-page":"33","article-title":"Naxizu de yuanyuan, qianxi he fenbu [The origin, migration, and distribution of the Naxi people]","author":"Fang G. Y.","year":"1979","unstructured":"Fang G. Y., He Z. W. (1979). Naxizu de yuanyuan, qianxi he fenbu [The origin, migration, and distribution of the Naxi people]. Minzu Yanjiu [Ethno-National Studies], (1), 33\u201341.","journal-title":"Minzu Yanjiu [Ethno-National Studies]"},{"issue":"6","key":"e_1_3_5_7_1","first-page":"77","article-title":"Sangzang yishi xiangzheng zhong de renzhi yu cunzai: Yi Nanxi cun Naxizu tianye diaocha zangli wei li [Cognition and existence in the symbolism of funeral rituals: A case study of a Naxi funeral based on fieldwork in Nanxi Village]","volume":"32","author":"Guo Z. H.","year":"2011","unstructured":"Guo Z. H. (2011). Sangzang yishi xiangzheng zhong de renzhi yu cunzai: Yi Nanxi cun Naxizu tianye diaocha zangli wei li [Cognition and existence in the symbolism of funeral rituals: A case study of a Naxi funeral based on fieldwork in Nanxi Village]. Xizang Minzu Xueyuan Xuebao (Zhexue Shehui Kexue Ban) [Journal of Tibet University for Nationalities (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition)], 32(6), 77\u201384.","journal-title":"Xizang Minzu Xueyuan Xuebao (Zhexue Shehui Kexue Ban) [Journal of Tibet University for Nationalities (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition)]"},{"issue":"5","key":"e_1_3_5_8_1","first-page":"95","article-title":"Cong huozang xisu kan Naxizu saima de qiyuan [The origin of Naxi horse racing from the perspective of cremation customs]","volume":"17","author":"He C. Y.","year":"2010","unstructured":"He C. Y., Xiang Y. M. (2010). Cong huozang xisu kan Naxizu saima de qiyuan [The origin of Naxi horse racing from the perspective of cremation customs]. Tiyu Xuekan [Journal of Physical Education], 17(5), 95\u201398.","journal-title":"Tiyu Xuekan [Journal of Physical Education]"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_9_1","volume-title":"He Fayuan Naxixue lunji [Collected essays on Naxi studies by He Fayuan]","author":"He F. Y.","year":"2010","unstructured":"He F. Y. (2010). He Fayuan Naxixue lunji [Collected essays on Naxi studies by He Fayuan]. Minzu Press."},{"issue":"3","key":"e_1_3_5_10_1","first-page":"77","article-title":"Zhuanhuan yu jiaorong: Sanba Naxizu sangzang wenhua ji qi dangdai bianqian [Transformation and integration: Sanba Naxi funerary culture and its contemporary changes]","author":"He H. C.","year":"2020","unstructured":"He H. C., Li J. Q. (2020). Zhuanhuan yu jiaorong: Sanba Naxizu sangzang wenhua ji qi dangdai bianqian [Transformation and integration: Sanba Naxi funerary culture and its contemporary changes]. Minzu Yanjiu [Ethno-National Studies], (3), 77\u201389.","journal-title":"Minzu Yanjiu [Ethno-National Studies]"},{"issue":"5","key":"e_1_3_5_11_1","first-page":"73","article-title":"Lun Lijiang Naxizu sangzang fangshi de bianqian [On changes in the funeral practices of the Lijiang Naxi people]","volume":"39","author":"He L. D.","year":"2007","unstructured":"He L. D. (2007). Lun Lijiang Naxizu sangzang fangshi de bianqian [On changes in the funeral practices of the Lijiang Naxi people]. Yunnan Shifan Daxue Xuebao (Zhexue Shehui Kexue Ban) [Journal of Yunnan Normal University (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition)], 39(5), 73\u201377.","journal-title":"Yunnan Shifan Daxue Xuebao (Zhexue Shehui Kexue Ban) [Journal of Yunnan Normal University (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition)]"},{"issue":"2","key":"e_1_3_5_12_1","first-page":"19","article-title":"Yu Aliyesi duihua: Jiu siwang didian taolun Naxizu siwangguan [In dialogue with Ari\u00e8s: Discussing the Naxi view of death through the place of death]","volume":"42","author":"He W. Z.","year":"2016","unstructured":"He W. Z. (2016). Yu Aliyesi duihua: Jiu siwang didian taolun Naxizu siwangguan [In dialogue with Ari\u00e8s: Discussing the Naxi view of death through the place of death]. 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St. Gabriel\u2019s Mission Press."},{"issue":"5","key":"e_1_3_5_17_1","first-page":"119","article-title":"Beizhe de xinyang: Naxizu \u201cQixing pijian\u201d de zongjiao jiedu [Faith carried on the back: A religious interpretation of the Naxi \u201cseven-star cape\u201d]","volume":"25","author":"Su Y.","year":"2012","unstructured":"Su Y., Zhang Q. S. (2012). Beizhe de xinyang: Naxizu \u201cQixing pijian\u201d de zongjiao jiedu [Faith carried on the back: A religious interpretation of the Naxi \u201cseven-star cape\u201d]. Minzu Yishu Yanjiu [Ethnic Art Studies], 25(5), 119\u2013123.","journal-title":"Minzu Yishu Yanjiu [Ethnic Art Studies]"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_18_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.7208\/chicago\/9780226629520.001.0001"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_19_1","volume-title":"Hun lu [Soul road]","author":"Yang F. Q.","year":"1999","unstructured":"Yang F. Q. (1999). Hun lu [Soul road]. Haitian Press; Jiangxi Education Press."},{"issue":"3","key":"e_1_3_5_20_1","first-page":"47","article-title":"Luelun Naxizu de shengsi guan [A brief discussion of the Naxi view of life and death]","volume":"31","author":"Yang F. Q.","year":"2004","unstructured":"Yang F. Q. (2004). Luelun Naxizu de shengsi guan [A brief discussion of the Naxi view of life and death]. Zhongyang Minzu Daxue Xuebao (Zhexue Shehui Kexue Ban) [Journal of Minzu University of China (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition)], 31(3), 47\u201351.","journal-title":"Zhongyang Minzu Daxue Xuebao (Zhexue Shehui Kexue Ban) [Journal of Minzu University of China (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition)]"},{"issue":"8","key":"e_1_3_5_21_1","first-page":"1","article-title":"Zailun Naxizu de \u201chei\u201d \u201cbai\u201d guannian [A further discussion of the Naxi concepts of \u201cblack\u201d and \u201cwhite\u201d]","volume":"29","author":"Yang F. Q.","year":"2009","unstructured":"Yang F. Q. (2009). Zailun Naxizu de \u201chei\u201d \u201cbai\u201d guannian [A further discussion of the Naxi concepts of \u201cblack\u201d and \u201cwhite\u201d]. Xinan Minzu Daxue Xuebao (Renwen Sheke Ban) [Journal of Southwest Minzu University (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition)], 29(8), 1\u20137.","journal-title":"Xinan Minzu Daxue Xuebao (Renwen Sheke Ban) [Journal of Southwest Minzu University (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition)]"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_22_1","first-page":"279","volume-title":"Naxixue yanjiu (Di yi ji) [Naxi studies (Vol. 1)]","author":"Yang F. Q.","year":"2015","unstructured":"Yang F. Q. (2015). Luelun Naxiren de lixing shengsi guan [A brief discussion of the rational Naxi view of life and death]. In Zhao X. Y. (Ed.), Naxixue yanjiu (Di yi ji) [Naxi studies (Vol. 1)] (pp. 279\u2013292). Minzu Press."},{"key":"e_1_3_5_23_1","volume-title":"Dongba yishi xushi chengshi yanjiu [A study of narrative formulas in Dongba rituals]","author":"Yang J. H.","year":"2017","unstructured":"Yang J. H. (2017). Dongba yishi xushi chengshi yanjiu [A study of narrative formulas in Dongba rituals]. China Social Sciences Press."},{"issue":"4","key":"e_1_3_5_24_1","first-page":"152","article-title":"Naxizu riyue chongbai de tuxiang xushi yanjiu [A study of image narrative in Naxi sun and moon worship]","volume":"34","author":"Yang J. H.","year":"2021","unstructured":"Yang J. H. (2021). Naxizu riyue chongbai de tuxiang xushi yanjiu [A study of image narrative in Naxi sun and moon worship]. Minzu Yishu Yanjiu [Ethnic Art Studies], 34(4), 152\u2013160.","journal-title":"Minzu Yishu Yanjiu [Ethnic Art Studies]"},{"issue":"6","key":"e_1_3_5_25_1","first-page":"30","article-title":"Tuxiang yu yishi yanshu shiyu xia de Dongba fushi yanjiu [A study of Dongba attire from the perspective of image and ritual performance]","author":"Yang J. H.","year":"2024","unstructured":"Yang J. H. (2024). Tuxiang yu yishi yanshu shiyu xia de Dongba fushi yanjiu [A study of Dongba attire from the perspective of image and ritual performance]. Meishu Yu Sheji [Art and Design], (6), 30\u201337.","journal-title":"Meishu Yu Sheji [Art and Design]"},{"issue":"3","key":"e_1_3_5_26_1","first-page":"16","article-title":"Dongba shishi xushi tezheng lun [On the narrative features of Dongba epics]","volume":"42","author":"Yang J. H.","year":"2025","unstructured":"Yang J. H. (2025a). Dongba shishi xushi tezheng lun [On the narrative features of Dongba epics]. Guangxi Minzu Shifan Xueyuan Xuebao [Journal of Guangxi Normal University for Nationalities], 42(3), 16\u201321.","journal-title":"Guangxi Minzu Shifan Xueyuan Xuebao [Journal of Guangxi Normal University for Nationalities]"},{"key":"e_1_3_5_27_1","first-page":"30","article-title":"Duowei shiyu xia de Dongba fushi yanjiu [A multidimensional study of Dongba attire]","author":"Yang J. H.","year":"2025","unstructured":"Yang J. H. (2025b). Duowei shiyu xia de Dongba fushi yanjiu [A multidimensional study of Dongba attire]. Yishu Bowuguan [Art Museum], 30\u201341.","journal-title":"Yishu Bowuguan [Art Museum]"},{"issue":"1","key":"e_1_3_5_28_1","first-page":"81","article-title":"Difangxing wenhua zhong de shengcun yiyi chanshi: Yi ge Naxizu lao Dongba sangzang yishi de diaocha baogao [Interpreting the meaning of existence in local culture: An investigation report on the funeral ritual of an elderly Naxi Dongba]","author":"Yang J. H.","year":"2010","unstructured":"Yang J. H., He S. R., He S. K. (2010). Difangxing wenhua zhong de shengcun yiyi chanshi: Yi ge Naxizu lao Dongba sangzang yishi de diaocha baogao [Interpreting the meaning of existence in local culture: An investigation report on the funeral ritual of an elderly Naxi Dongba]. 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