[Explanation] In Nadaqi Niulu Village, Qapqal County, Yili, Xinjiang.
Zhao Hu, a 27-year-old guy, is making traditional bows and arrows of the Xibe people.
His father, Zhao Yushu, is a well-known local bow and arrow making artist. He has been fascinated by his eyes since he was a child, and he has developed a keen interest in traditional bow and arrow making.
After more than three years of clothing design work, he decided to start his own business, set up a studio, and devote himself to making bows and arrows.
[Concurrent] Zhao Hu, a villager in Nadaqi Niulu Village, Qapqal County, Yili, Xinjiang
I just thought that my father had been making bows and arrows, so I thought that since I can do this craft, why can't I start my own business? I didn't think so much at the time. I didn't think about the output, sales, and income.
[Explanation] With the traditional culture, people pay more and more attention and love.
Simple and exquisite bows and arrows have gradually gained a broader market.
Right now, the bows and arrows that Zhao Hu is rushing to make are orders placed by Xinjiang Yili State Song and Dance Troupe.
[Concurrent] Zhao Hu, a villager in Nadaqi Niulu Village, Qapqal County, Yili, Xinjiang
The total is twelve prop bows plus three sets of crafts and prop bows. Now the basic bow tires are all ready.
[Explanation] Although it is a prop bow and arrow, each bow, Zhao Hu must be meticulous, polishing, bagging, and trying the bow.
Only after the final step of bow testing can a perfect work be delivered.
[Concurrent] Zhao Hu, a villager in Nadaqi Niulu Village, Qapqal County, Yili, Xinjiang
I can’t see the bubbles outside. I have to try the bow first, pull it apart, and release the first arrow to prove that the bow is successful. If the first arrow is being released, there will be bubbles inside. It will burst open, which means that the bow is scrapped.
[Explanation] After nearly three years of training, Zhao Hu has been able to make glass slide bows and wooden bows very skillfully, and design unique bow bags, but in the eyes of his father Zhao Yushu, Zhao Hu’s craftsmanship still needs Keep honing.
[Concurrent] Zhao Yushu, a villager in Nadaqi Niulu Village, Qapqal County, Yili, Xinjiang
There is a center line here, and the center line goes all the way to this place. From here to this place, it is straight. If you stick it straight, it is a good bow.
[Explanation] Zhao Yushu is very pleased that his son can pass on his own craftsmanship. He tells Zhao Hu that to be a craftsman must endure loneliness. The bows and arrows made are not only crafts, but also the inheritance and protection of traditional bow and arrow culture.
[Concurrent] Zhao Yushu, a villager in Nadaqi Niulu Village, Qapqal County, Yili, Xinjiang
Bows and arrows are something that the older generations of our Xibe people have used. I hope this thing will not be lost. Therefore, let my son also learn to make this Xibe traditional bow and arrow. I hope he can pass it on.
[Explanation] For future development, Zhao Hu hopes to develop more cultural and creative products related to bows and arrows, so that more people can understand the traditional bow and arrow culture.
[Concurrent] Zhao Hu, a villager in Nadaqi Niulu Village, Qapqal County, Yili, Xinjiang
Like some notebooks with bow and arrow patterns, some more traditional wood carvings and root carvings are also being made. I just hope that there will be successors to the bow and arrow culture. At this stage, I am a latecomer, and I am a descendant of the successors.
Cheng Lei, Li Zhen reporting from Yili, Xinjiang
Editor in charge: [Song Fangcan]