Common Types of Architecture in Dong Villages
Dong Opera Stage
The Dong opera stage, also known as the Dong theater, it is a place where Dong people perform Dong ethnic operas. Most opera stages are located near the drum tower. The exterior of the opera stage is quite similar to the houses of the villagers in the sense that they are also made out of cedar wood, and the platform is raised two meters above the ground.
Roofed Bridge
Roofed bridges are an integration of a bridge and a tower. There are two types of roofed bridges: pavilion and drum tower style. Pavilion-style flower bridges are generally built on rivers about ten meters wide; Drum Tower-style roofed bridges are built on wider rivers, with buildings resembling drum towers built upon the bridges. Roof bridges not only serves as a bridge and resting place, but also has the cultural representation of a dragon vein.
Sentry Post
Sentry posts are also known as ‘Tangka’ or ‘Tangwa’ in Dong language. In the past, the sentry post was used for keeping guard of the village. However, nowadays, it is a wooden stilt house used for discussions or entertainment nowadays. The inside of a sentry post is similar to that of a drum tower, usually with a fireplace circled with long benches.
Village Gate
The village gate was once used to mark the borders of a Dong village, and to protect villages from enemies. In modern times, it serves as a ornament to the village as well as a place to welcome and see of guests during festivals.
Facts About Dong Architecture
Cedar wood is the main material used in construction of Dong architecture. During the construction of architecture larger pieces of wood are often used, this requires dozens of people to lift them together in order to transport them. While there are plenty of smaller cedar trees around Zhaoxing Dong village, the larger trees need to be transported from further areas.
Construction workers and architects are well specialised in their areas, which is especially useful when it comes to repairing buildings. Because Dong architecture does not require any nails to hold the building together, one wrong move could cause the whole building to tumble down.
In Dong culture, specific dates are chosen for constructing new buildings. These are dates that the Dong people believe to be auspicious. Before construction, there are also rituals that involve things such as slaughtering a chicken or pig.