Living Heritage in Post-Nomadism: The Change and Continuity of Ger in Inner Mongolia, China

This thesis delves into the dynamic realm of nomadic heritage in Inner Mongolia, China, with a specific focus on the Mongolian ger. The Mongolian ger, a circular nomadic dwelling, symbolizes the core values of the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle, including reverence for nature and communal unity. However, seismic shifts in Inner Mongolia's pastoral economics, urbanization, and cultural interactions have driven significant changes in ger construction and usage. Therefore, nomadic heritage is fraught with challenges and variability in the face of changing times, rendering the significance of its heritage existence increasingly ambiguous and diverse. However, the current limitations in the research on Mongolian ger heritage hinder our reevaluation of these changes, necessitating a comprehensive study to reexamine this post- nomadic era heritage. This thesis adopts a Critical Heritage Studies approach, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of living heritage. It explores diverse practices and understandings of gers within changing communities, seeking to reconstruct the discourse of living heritage. The study also reframes nomadic heritage in the context of the post-nomadic era, capturing the socio-cultural landscape in flux. It critically examines the ontology of living heritage, bridging theories with reality, and strives to redefine the logical concepts embedded in heritage. The research employs a combination of ethnographic precision and Grounded Theory methods to unravel the factors influencing change and continuity in ger practices. It reveals the complex interplay between economic, social, environmental, and individual reflexivity factors. Policy shifts, such as grassland management policies and environmental protection regulations, have impacted the sustainability of gers. The industrialization and commercialization of ger production have transformed traditional craftsmanship, while economic considerations drive the adoption of gers in the last remaining nomadic regions. These findings underscore the intricate web of factors influencing ger practices in the post-nomadic era. In conclusion, this thesis represents a significant contribution to our understanding of living heritage, particularly within the context of nomadic culture in Inner Mongolia. It underscores the importance of recognizing the evolving nature of heritage and the agency of diverse stakeholders in shaping its trajectory. This research not only enriches the discourse on gers but also advances the methodology of living heritage studies. It sets the stage for further exploration of nomadic heritage in broader Inner Asian contexts, promising new insights into the complexities of heritage in the post-nomadism.