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Folk culture of Li Ethnic Group
As the southernmost province, Hainan Island lies
like a bright pearl in the South China Sea. It has been the home of the Li
ethnic minority since ancient times.
Li people are the earliest inhabitants on the island, whose history can be
dated back to as early as primitive society in the Neolithic Age. As the
original inhabitants of Hainan Island, Li people developed a strong, untouched
culture.
 Boat-shaped cottages
Li people developed their unique thatched cottages based on geological
conditions, climate, and construction materials. Built with bamboo or wood, the
thatched cottages are in the shape of a boat or a pyramid.
The boat-shaped cottage represents the close relationship to oceanic culture
of the Li. Li folklore Princess Danya is a story where this princess
drifts to Hainan Island, pulls the boat onshore, and makes it the roof
of her thatched cottage. Li people followed her in building their own houses.
Thus, the boat-shaped
house is a symbol of Hainan Island's oceanic culture, and explains its
important role in the "marine silk
road ".
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