Interpretation of the Wood Drum of the Wa Nationality from a Symbolic Semiotic Perspective

摘要

As the public voice to protect traditional culture is upsurging gradually today, it is significant to study the wood drum of the traditional Wa culture so as to better protect and exploit the culture. This essay, mainly consisting of three parts: the origin of the wood drum, its functions and its cultural meanings, aims to interprate the important role of the wood drum in the Wa community form a new perspective. Through the study of the three aspects, it is concluded that the reasons why wood drums have played such a crucial role in the Wa community are mainly derived form the primitive society the Wa nationality was in and its surroundings. Therefore, to exploite the wood drum of the Wa nationality can not only protect the nation's traditional culture but can also improve its tourism economy.