Cultural storiesQinghai: Huzhu Tu Autonomous County and Xining; also Tianzhu in Gansu
Protects the tea supply and quickly packs a small travelling bag.
The story / Navarka
Before setting off again, finds time to prepare boiled tea.
Cultural context
Navarka / Collection
A pale wrap-front shirt is paired with an aubergine waistcoat and a broad belt. A tea pouch and scoop give Navarka’s outfit its practical character.
A brick-red quilted waistcoat sits over a cream shirt, with loose blue trousers and felt slippers for home. Navarka supports a closed grey teapot of strong salted Fuzhuan tea with both paws.
Navarka brings dry tea to a gathering in a long wooden scoop. A paper-wrapped tea brick sits in his belt case. A festive vest and ochre embroidery draw on Huzhu men’s clothing, while the exposed corner of tea material remains part of the creature’s own form.
Navarka carries a tea gift in his paws: dry tea in a wooden box. A long pale robe with broad blue-and-red edging maintains the Huzhu Tu menswear direction; the particular gift is a personal episode.
Navarka checks a portion of dry tea with a small scoop. The brick remains in its belt case. A white embroidered collar, dark vest and cloud-trimmed footwear refer to the Huzhu / Danma men's clothing direction, while the objects and action belong to the character.
Navarka steadies a white khata, with a tea gift secured to the side of his belt. The combination of long and short outer garments does not replace his own form; this ceremonial scene does not claim a single wedding costume for all Tu people.
00 / Original form
One corner of a compressed-tea head softens into two short leaf reliefs. A pale broad face and a stocky smooth body with wide paws give Navarka a sturdy shape.
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