A History and Anthropological Study of the Ancient Kingdoms of the Sino-Tibetan Borderland--Naxi and Mosuo

The Naxi and the Mosuo (who are officially considered a part of the Naxi) are peoples living in northwestern Yunnan Province of China. Anthropologist Mathieu investigates the histories of these groups through a reading of textual sources, local and imperial historiography, oral tradition, and religious ceremonial texts. Her major objective is to describe the process by which the tribes oriented towards Tibet were transformed into vassal subjects of the Chinese empire. She also seeks to elucidate the ethnic relationship between the Naxi and Mosuo. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).