The Wisdom and Cultural Traditions of Plant-Based Dyeing among the Zhuang People in Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, for the Creation of a Contemporary Design Identity

Abstract

This research aims to examine and analyze the structure of cultural identity embedded in the traditional plant-based dyeing wisdom of the Zhuang people in Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China. It further seeks to synthesize a conceptual framework for systematically translating this cultural knowledge into contemporary design within the context of ongoing social and economic transformations. The study adopts a qualitative research methodology, drawing upon documentary research, related academic studies, and field data collected through observation and systematic recording. Data analysis was conducted in three stages: Open Coding to identify key themes, Axial Coding to explore relationships among cultural components, and Selective Coding to synthesize a systematic identity structure. The credibility of the findings was enhanced through triangulation. The findings reveal that plant-based dyeing among the Zhuang people is not merely a handicraft technique, but a structured body of knowledge embedded in everyday life and community organization. This knowledge system involves natural dyeing processes, including, mordanting processes, and demonstrates notable colorfastness in its textile applications. The cultural identity structure can be classified into six dimensions: color identity, material identity, functional identity, process identity, ritual and belief identity, and integrative meaning. These dimensions interact dynamically within the ecological and social context of the community. Indigo blue, black, and five-colored glutinous rice function as cultural symbols that reinforce ethnic identity through repeated use in daily life and ritual practices. Meanwhile, the dyeing process reflects experiential knowledge that is accumulated, transmitted, and continuously adapted through community mechanisms. Based on these findings, the study further synthesizes six practical design strategies that function as operational guidelines for transforming indigenous knowledge into tangible contemporary design applications. At a conceptual level, these strategies are further abstracted into five contemporary design strategies. (1) Cultural Meaning Translation Strategy, (2) Material-Based Identity Strategy, (3) Color System Structuring Strategy, (4) Process-to-Form Strategy, and (5) Contemporary Context Integration Strategy, which together function as a systematic mechanism for bridging traditional knowledge and contemporary design practice. The study proposes that the adaptation of traditional plant-dyeing wisdom into contemporary design should be grounded in a profound understanding of the internal meaning structure of the cultural system rather than superficial imitation of external forms. This transformation requires design strategies as a mediating mechanism to effectively connect indigenous knowledge with contemporary design contexts. Such an approach enables the preservation of identity, the creation of new cultural value, and the promotion of cultural sustainability in contemporary society.