The Historical Memory And Ethnic Identity Of The Manchu

The research enriches the ethnography about urban Manchurian.The fieldwork of this research is mainly made in a Manchurian and Mongolian ethnic community at an ancient city Kaifeng in Central China.The community has experienced 300 years historical memory and ethnic identity since the establishment of the “Eight Banners” garrison.By describing the living experience and culture change of Manchurian in Kaifeng,and interpreting by the theory on historical memory and ethnic identity,the research demonstrates the continuousness of Manchurian ethnic identity by presenting the evidence on the idea on ancestry and origin in the community.The history on the “Eight Banners” System of Qing Dynasty,the structural memory loss in the Republic of China era(1912-1948)and the Minorities policy of People’s Republic of China constitutes the 300 years unique collective memory and common ethnos of Manchurian community.By reviewing the literature,oral history and community actions of the Manchurian community,the research emphasizes the transmission of ideas in family and community,and the importance of oral history and actions.The terminology of “historical practice” notices besides practice history by literature,ordinary people usually practice their history by oral history and actions.“Historical practice” shows the agency of the community.Social transformation has lasted over 100 years since the end of Qing Dynasty,as a result,Manchurian do not have distinguishing features.However,the research tells memory loss is the realistic choice by Manchurian in the special historical context,which is an important shared collective memory of Manchurian community.Structural memory loss,genealogical memory loss and ethnicity collective memory together constitutes the ethnos of Manchurian.As ethnic identity is subjective,the historical memory “survivals” showing ethnicity are transmitted inside family and community,which become secret and continuous “local knowledge” of the ethnic community.The identity and memory on origin transmitted inside community is significant local knowledge of the ethnic group.The research emphasizes the core importance of the subjective ideology of community about lineage and origin.In ordinary people,the idea of ethnicity is integrated into the identity and memory on origin,which answers the root question of “Who am I?” “Where am I from?” Ethnic identity is shared interpretation of identity and memory on origin.Interpreting origin collectively is common phenomena of ethnic groups in China,respecting and recognizing difference origin interpretation is of importance.Webs of significance also change era by era.Since 1950 s,the idea of equality influences the life of Manchurian community and constructs the ethnicity of Manchurian by Minority policy.Since the Reform and Opening of China,the urban ethnic communities experience lack of policy strategy on their development and the danger of losing historical memory space in housing removal plan.The changes activated the “historical practice” of the ethnic community.Their actions have strong correlation with their historical memory and ethnic identity embodied in their previous ordinary life.Cultural self-consciousness and agency is strengthened in the process.The case of the community proves the primordial attachments of historical memory and living together,also shows the influence of ethnic interactions,elites and economic capacity.The research advocates a harmonious strategy to protect the space of multi-ethnic historical memory.It is important to protect ethnic diversity,respect and recognize the place of history and the descendants of the history,and let multicultural communities have opportunity to develop together in the field of urban development and rural revival.