The Dong ethnic minority initially appeared during the Song dynasty (AD 960-1279)
Names of the Dong Ethnic Minority
Dong people call themselves ‘Gaeml’ or ‘Jaeml’. These two titles mean not only ‘Dong people’ but also fencing, protecting, and shielding. Therefore, the names Gaeml or Jaeml mean people living with safeguards.
Major Provincial Inheritors of Dong Architecture
In the Dong region, the lead craftsmen who repair and build houses are known as 'ink masters'. They live a life a high social status and are respected and adored by the people.
Lu Wenli 陆文礼
Lu wenli is a provincial inheritor of Dong wooden construction from Jitang Dong village in the town of Zhaoxing.
There is a folk song around Guizhou which reads “The master of the flower bridge is in Sanjiang, and the master of the drum tower is in Jitang." Which illustrates the fame of the two greatest masters of the drum tower, Lu Peifu and Lu Wenli.
Yang Yingqi 杨应琪
Yang Yingqi is a provincial inheritor of Dong wooden construction from Ganji Village, Maogang Town
