Ethnobotanical Study On Plants Used To Dye Traditional Costumes By The Baiku Yao Nationality of China

Background: The Baiku Yao are a branch of the Yao nationality in China. The unique dyeing process of traditional clothing employed by these people has distinct national characteristics, a profound impact on the production and life of local people, and important research value. For this reason, it is important to investigate and document the dyeing plants and the traditional knowledge involved in the dyeing of Baiku Yao traditional clothing. This study provides a reference for the inheritance and development of Baiku Yao traditional clothing dyeing culture, will help to find new natural, safe and healthy textile dyes, and provides materials for green dyeing of modern clothing. At the same time, it is also expected that the research results will have positive significance in promoting regional economic development, national cultural inheritance and biodiversity protection. Methodology: Information on dyeing plants was obtained using the free-list method and interviews with 61 Baiku Yao informants in Guangxi and Guizhou from January 2020 to August 2021. Based on the free-list method, we evaluated and screened out important plants by calculating the cognitive salience value of each plant. Results: The results showed that the people of Baiku Yao have accumulated rich traditional knowledge of dyeing plants and the long-term dyeing and other processes. We collected 23 kinds of plants and recorded the related traditional knowledge, such as the Baiku Yao name, life form, habitat, part(s) used, application type, usage, and area used. The results also showed that 15 plants (65.2%) have medicinal value and can be used to treat 18 aliments, and wild plants play a very important role in the life of the Baiku Yao. Conclusion: These plants not only meet the color needs of the Baiku Yao people but also have health care effects, aligning with the trends toward green dyeing and the health contentiousness of modern people. This study will aid the identification of new natural, safe and healthy textile dyes and is of positive significance in promoting regional economic development, national cultural inheritance and biodiversity protection.