具体描述
《中国土地信仰图像人类学志:以贵州为例》主要内容包括：布依族社神类型的土地信仰、水族石崇拜转化型土地信仰、苗族、侗族类社神性质的土地信仰、屯堡人类型的土地信仰、其他汉族人的土地信仰、多民族信仰融汇型的土地信仰等等。
《山川之灵：中国土地信仰的视觉叙事》 在中国辽阔的土地上，人与自然的关系 woven into the fabric of life through centuries of veneration and reverence for the earth. This volume, 《山川之灵：中国土地信仰的视觉叙事》 (Spirits of Mountains and Rivers: A Visual Ethnography of Chinese Land Beliefs), embarks on a profound exploration of these deep-seated beliefs, not through abstract discourse, but through the powerful lens of imagery. We delve into the visual manifestations of how ancient Chinese peoples perceived, interacted with, and were sustained by the land – the mountains that stood as sentinels, the rivers that flowed as lifeblood, the very soil that cradled their existence. This book is an invitation to witness the tangible expressions of intangible faith. It is an ethnographic journey that prioritizes the visual record, acknowledging that for many communities, spiritual understanding was and remains deeply embedded in the depiction of sacred sites, ritualistic artifacts, and the artistic traditions that adorn them. We bypass the purely textual, venturing instead into the realm where belief takes on form and color, where prayers are etched in stone, and where divine presence is rendered in wood, clay, and ink. Our exploration begins with the formidable presence of mountains. These colossal formations were not merely geological features but were often considered the dwelling places of powerful deities, ancestors, and elemental forces. We examine the iconography associated with mountain deities, from their anthropomorphic representations to the symbolic flora and fauna that inhabit their sacred peaks. Through a careful curation of temple murals, votive carvings, and folk art, we reveal how these images served as conduits for communication, offerings, and supplication, seeking blessings for prosperity, protection, and timely rain. The visual language employed to depict mountain spirits – their imposing stature, their serene or formidable countenances, the celestial elements that often surround them – offers a rich tapestry of understanding regarding their perceived roles in the cosmic order. The life-giving arteries of China – its rivers – are another pivotal focus. From the mighty Yellow River and Yangtze to countless smaller streams and springs, water bodies have been revered as sources of fertility, purification, and abundance. This volume showcases the visual narratives surrounding river gods and dragon kings, who held dominion over rainfall, floods, and the bounty of aquatic life. We investigate the intricate designs of water altars, the ceremonial vessels used in water rituals, and the popular imagery of aquatic beings that populated the imagination. The fluidity and dynamism of water are often mirrored in the artistic styles used to portray its deities, offering insights into the perceived moods and powers of these essential natural elements. Beyond grand landscapes, 《山川之灵》 also immerses itself in the granular realities of agricultural life, where the earth itself was a sacred entity. The veneration of the God of Agriculture (后稷, 土地公) and the myriad local earth spirits is brought to life through the examination of shrine iconography, harvest festival imagery, and the tools and practices that sustained generations. We explore how the cycles of planting, growth, and harvest were imbued with spiritual significance, and how visual representations of fertility symbols, auspicious animals, and benevolent deities reinforced the connection between human labor and divine favor. The humble yet powerful depictions of earth spirits, often found in the very fields and villages where people lived and worked, underscore the profound respect for the ground beneath their feet. Furthermore, this book delves into the materiality of land belief. The construction and adornment of temples, ancestral halls, and local shrines offer a rich visual archive. We analyze the architectural styles, the decorative motifs, and the symbolic materials used in these sacred spaces, revealing how they were designed to invoke and embody the spirits of the land. The placement of these structures, their orientation in relation to natural features, and the iconography that adorns their facades and interiors all speak volumes about the cultural and spiritual significance attributed to their surroundings. The ethnographical approach employed here emphasizes immersion and observation. While acknowledging the influence of historical texts and scholarly interpretations, the primary driver of this work is the visual evidence. We seek to understand the beliefs from the perspective of those who created and perpetuated them, allowing the images to speak for themselves. This includes examining regional variations in iconography, the evolution of visual traditions over time, and the persistent threads of belief that connect disparate communities across China. 《山川之灵：中国土地信仰的视觉叙事》 is more than a collection of images; it is a testament to the enduring power of human connection to the natural world. It demonstrates how visual culture served as a vital medium for articulating, reinforcing, and transmitting spiritual understanding. By focusing on the tangible expressions of land belief, this volume offers a unique and compelling perspective on the spiritual landscape of China, inviting readers to engage with its rich heritage through a deeply visual and profoundly human lens. It is a celebration of the unseen forces that shape our world and the ways in which humanity has sought to honor and appease them through the enduring power of art and imagery.
