Evaluating the Authenticity of Naxi Music in Three Stages from the Perspective of Naxi Musicians: An Application of Lacan’s Mirror Stage Theory

Abstract

How do people evaluate the transformation of a local music scene under tourism? Using Jacques Lacan’s mirror stage theory, Manuel Castells’ identity theory and Erik Cohen’s authentication theory, we build a framework to judge the authenticity of Naxi music in Lijiang, China, based on interviews, literature analysis and performance analysis. The conclusions are as follows. First, there are significant differences in authenticity among the three stages of Naxi music, as defined by Lacan’s theory. Second, we modify Erik Cohen’s authentication concept from the perspective of Lacan and read the spirit of persistence and innovation as “hot” authentication in the postmirror stage. Naxi musicians have clear project identity, as defined by Manuel Castells. Project identity means that they do not follow the mirror image of tourists blindly and pay attention to music and their own development. This research contributes to the sustainable development of intangible cultural heritage in tourism.

Coupling Mechanisms and Development Patterns of Revitalizing Intangible Cultural Heritage by Integrating Cultural Tourism: The Case of Hunan Province, China

“…In contrast, Li and Zhou's study found that local music under tourism is not affected by tourists if it is grounded in the local music culture itself. This suggests that in rapidly changing modern society, ICH should still be grounded in local culture, and the opportunities provided by technology should rely on regional identity for sustainable development [47]. Therefore, the foundation of ICH is rooted in locality.…”

Harmony Amidst Change: Revitalizing Guangxi's Intangible Cultural Heritage Music in Higher Education

“…The folk intangible cultural heritage music in China is a music that expresses its emotional life in its own unique way. It is a music culture created by people of all ethnic groups with strong local characteristics and distinct characteristics of the times and has a strong artistic appeal and aesthetic value(D. Li and Zhou, 2021). Since ancient times, due to the unique geographical location and regional environment, as well as the complex and diverse historical and cultural background, Guangxi has formed a rich and exquisite ethnic regional culture, leaving behind many precious and dazzling intangible cultural heritage.…”