Portrayal of a Cultural Symbol

Walking-Marriage and the Mosuo Community in Yunnan, China

Abstract

This article examines the effects of symbolic meanings on the Mosuo matrilineal community in Yunnan, China, with a focus on how these meanings shape ethnic identity building, marriage decision-making, and familial relationships. The Mosuo community is known for its matrilineal social structure, which has been subject to intensive cultural and symbolic interpretations over time. The article argues that the cultural symbol of walking-marriage has had significant impacts on the Mosuo community, both in terms of how they see themselves and how they are perceived by others. Mosuo ‘portrayed’ image in media and from outside actors is investigated also for its contribution to a mistaken conception of walking marriage contrary to the beliefs of the Mosuo who have historically practiced the ritual. The research draws on ethnographic data to demonstrate how the symbolic meanings attached to and outside portrayals of Mosuo culture have shaped the community’s sense of ethnic identity, family structure, and cultural practices. The results suggest that symbolic meanings and external portrayed identity on the Mosuo community have complex, multi-dimensional effects on the development of the community and highlight the importance of ethnic interpretation within ritual, historical, and symbolic dimensions of cultural practices in the social context of the community.