Flower My Belts
How the Kam People of China Preserved Backstrap Weaving
Explore the film ↓The intricate flower belts of Dimen carry a weaving tradition in which a simple, portable loom becomes an instrument of extraordinary complexity.
Marie Anna Lee and her students apprentice with a Kam artisan to learn how a traditional backstrap loom is assembled and used.
From preparing fine silk threads to arranging the warp and weaving elaborate patterns, the film follows a process that requires patience, dexterity, and sustained attention.
The woven silk belts are used with Kam clothing and are part of a living tradition of craftsmanship. The documentary follows the transmission of this skill between artisans, visiting students, and a new generation of learners.
“An ancient weaving tradition carried forward by the women of Dimen.”
A portable loom, intricate patterns
The backstrap loom is light enough to assemble without a permanent frame, yet allows the weaver to make highly detailed patterns.
In the film, the artisan demonstrates each stage of preparing threads and setting up the loom, and the visiting team practices weaving under her guidance.
Scenes from the film and field research
Select a photograph to view it on the dedicated image gallery page.
Dimen, a Kam village
Dimen is located in the mountains of Guizhou Province, southwestern China. The documentary is part of a long-term project documenting cultural knowledge and artisan practice through collaborative learning with the community.
Marie Anna Lee
Marie Anna Lee is an artist, designer, filmmaker, and professor at the University of the Pacific. Her research with Kam artisans in Dimen began in 2007 and combines community-based design with documentation and cultural preservation.
Director: Marie Anna Lee
Explore the documentary trilogy
Contact
For questions about the film, screenings, educational use, or the Kam Heritage Project, please contact filmmaker Marie Anna Lee.