Distribution Areas of Hezhen Ethnic Group
The Hezhen Ethnic Group (赫哲族) is one of the smaller ethnic groups in China, primarily residing in the northeastern part of the country. They are mainly distributed in Heilongjiang Province, particularly in areas near the confluence of the Songhua River, Amur River (Ussuri River), and Zeya River. Below is an overview of the Hezhen people’s distribution, historical background, and cultural characteristics.
1. Key Distribution Areas of the Hezhen Ethnic Group in China
The Hezhen people mainly inhabit the Sanjiang Plain (三江平原) and the Wanda Mountain Range (完达山余脉) in Heilongjiang Province, China. Their settlements are concentrated in several towns and villages along major rivers in the region.
Key Settlements in Heilongjiang:
- Tongjiang City (同江市): Located on the banks of the Songhua River, Tongjiang is one of the most significant areas for the Hezhen people. Within Tongjiang, the Hezhen Ethnic Township of Jiejinkou (街津口赫哲族乡) is a major settlement for the community.
- Bacha Hezhen Ethnic Township (八岔赫哲族乡): Located in Tongjiang, this township is another important settlement for the Hezhen people, along with other Hezhen villages in the vicinity.
- Shaquiji Village (抓吉赫哲族村): Situated in Zhuaji Township in Fuyuan County (抚远县), this village is home to a significant portion of the Hezhen population.
- Aoqi Village (敖其赫哲族村): Found in Aoqi Town in Jiamusi City (佳木斯市), this village is one of the traditional homes of the Hezhen people.
- Raohé County (饶河县): In Raohé, located in the northeastern part of Heilongjiang Province, the Hezhen people reside in villages such as the Sipa Hezhen Ethnic Township (四排赫哲族乡).
Population Estimates:
According to the 2021 China Statistical Yearbook, the Hezhen population in China is estimated to be 5,373 people, with a concentration in Tongjiang, Raohé, Fuyuan, and Jiamusi.
2. Cultural Features of the Hezhen Ethnic Group
The Hezhen people have a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to their environment, particularly the Sanjiang Plain and its abundant fish and wildlife resources. Some of their key cultural features include:
Language:
- The Hezhen people speak the Hezhen language (赫哲语), which is divided into two dialects: Qileng (奇楞方言) and Hezhen (赫真方言). However, most Hezhen people have adopted Mandarin Chinese for daily communication, and the younger generations are increasingly fluent in Chinese. The older population, particularly those aged 50-60 and above, is more likely to still speak Hezhen fluently.
Traditional Way of Life:
The Hezhen people traditionally rely on fishing, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood, with the Sanjiang River Basin providing rich resources for their food and cultural practices.
- Fishing: The Hezhen people are known for their unique fishing techniques, especially captive fish traps and net fishing in the Amur River and Songhua River. They primarily catch fish like sturgeon, salmon, and various local freshwater fish species.
- Hunting and Gathering: In addition to fishing, the Hezhen also engage in hunting and gathering. Their traditional diet includes fish, wild animals, berries, and plants from the forest.
Clothing and Traditional Attire:
The Hezhen people are known for their traditional clothing made of fish skin, which is crafted into unique garments such as coats and boots. Fish skin, particularly from the salmon and sturgeon, is carefully processed and preserved to make these garments, which are both functional and culturally significant.
Arts and Crafts:
- Fish-skin Embroidery: The Hezhen people are skilled in fish-skin embroidery, which involves using fish skin to create intricate designs and patterns on clothing and household items. This unique form of embroidery is a symbol of their connection to their aquatic environment.
- Traditional Music and Dance: The Hezhen people have a rich tradition of singing and dancing, with their folk songs often telling stories about their daily lives, the river, and nature. Traditional drum dances and sung poetry are common features of Hezhen festivals and celebrations.
3. Historical Background and Ethnogenesis of the Hezhen Ethnic Group
The Hezhen people have a history that dates back to ancient times in the Sanjiang Plain region. Their ancestors were believed to have lived along the confluence of the Songhua, Amur, and Zeya rivers. Throughout history, the Hezhen were known by various names, including Wu Zhe Ye Ren (兀者野人), Hei Jin (黑斤), and He Zhen (赫真), until the ethnic group solidified its identity in the early Qing Dynasty.
Migration and Settlement:
The Hezhen ethnic group is considered one of the northeastern peoples of China, and their migration patterns were closely tied to the shifts in the river systems and the pursuit of hunting grounds and fishing zones. Over time, the Hezhen settled along the rivers, and their interaction with other ethnic groups, particularly Han Chinese, influenced their culture, language, and traditions.
The Hezhen Ethnic Group (赫哲族) is a small yet significant ethnic group in northeastern China, with their primary population residing in Heilongjiang Province, particularly in Tongjiang, Raohé, Fuyuan, and Jiamusi. The Hezhen people are culturally unique, with their distinct language, traditional way of life, and artistic practices, such as fish-skin embroidery and river-based fishing. Despite their small population, the Hezhen remain a vital part of China’s diverse ethnic landscape, preserving ancient traditions while adapting to the modern world.
Their deep connection to the Sanjiang Plain and their riverside communities reflects both the historical and cultural importance of the Hezhen in China’s broader ethnographic tapestry.
