Research on the Local Reconstruction of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Ethnic Tourism Villages: A Case of Miao Silver Ornaments in Xijiang Miao Village

Locality is an important foundation of local characteristics and image, encompassing the natural qualities and inherent cultural features of a place. Researching the process and mechanism behind the reconstruction of locality in Miao silver ornament, under the context of tourism development, holds significant importance for the inheritance and protection of intangible cultural heritage. This article is based on the theory of locality, utilize grounded theory to process interview transcript data and find that: (1) Tourism has transformed Miao silver ornaments in Qiandongnan from everyday decorations to core elements in tourism performances, this process has expanded their usage scenarios and reshaping the landscape space of Xijiang Miao Village; (2) Within the social context constructed by Miao silver ornaments, traditional craftsmanship and patterns provide a basis for individual and ethnic identity recognition, further establishing connections between individuals and groups, as well as between people and place in space-time; (3) Miao silver ornaments serve not only as material representations of primal religious beliefs but also as significant symbols of culture and ethnic identity; (4) Miao silver ornaments carry profound familial and cultural emotional identity. Through tourism activities, this emotional identity is concretely manifested in Xijiang Miao Village, becoming a bond between individuals and their ethnic group. To promote the protection, inheritance, and development of Miao silver ornaments, various measures can be taken, such as encouraging master silversmiths to conduct Miao silver forging workshops, regularly organizing silver ornament cultural festivals, developing integrated online and offline display platforms, and introducing silver ornament culture-related courses in local primary and secondary schools.