Innovative Design of Traditional Costumes in Digital Art: A Case Study of the Aoluguya Evenki Ethnic Group in Northeast China

Abstract

This paper explores the innovative design and cultural heritage of traditional costumes of the Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic group in the digital age. Through digital techniques, traditional costumes have been infused with modern elements, enhancing the intricacy and diversity of their designs, thus introducing new means of design for traditional attire. Traditional costume patterns and totems are reinterpreted and created through digital software, allowing characters to wear them in virtual film and television, resulting in unique visual effects. 3D modeling technology showcases costume details in virtual film and television, and virtual fitting experiences enable the audience to immerse themselves in historical culture. Balancing modern creativity with cultural authenticity is crucial to achieving innovation and inheritance, ensuring that digital art plays a significant role in the application of traditional costumes of the Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic group.

Full text

Innovative Design of Traditional Costumes in Digital Art: A
Case Study of the Aoluguya Evenki Ethnic Group in
Northeast China
Chao Wang1,a, and Zhiyong Yang2,b,*
1Jilin Animation Institute, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
2Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design, No. 18, Dahaijun, St.
Petersburg, Leningrad Region, 191186, Russia
a. dartchao@163.com, b. yangzhiyongda@163.com
*corresponding author
Abstract: This paper explores the innovative design and cultural heritage of traditional
costumes of the Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic group in the digital age. Through digital
techniques, traditional costumes have been infused with modern elements, enhancing the
intricacy and diversity of their designs, thus introducing new means of design for traditional
attire. Traditional costume patterns and totems are reinterpreted and created through digital
software, allowing characters to wear them in virtual film and television, resulting in unique
visual effects. 3D modeling technology showcases costume details in virtual film and
television, and virtual fitting experiences enable the audience to immerse themselves in
historical culture. Balancing modern creativity with cultural authenticity is crucial to
achieving innovation and inheritance, ensuring that digital art plays a significant role in the
application of traditional costumes of the Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic group.
Keywords: digital art, innovative traditional costumes, Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic group,
cultural heritage
1. Introduction
With the advancement of technology and the proliferation of digital techniques in digital art, the
fusion of traditional culture and modern technology has become a focal point in various fields.
Digital art, as a powerful creative tool, has opened up new possibilities across various domains. In
the realm of fashion design, digital art has paved the way for innovation and preservation in
traditional attire. The Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic group, a significant ethnic group in Northeast China,
possesses a distinct cultural heritage and traditional clothing. Their traditional attire, crafted from
materials like sheepskin and fur, features clean lines, earthy colors, and an innate sense of primitive
beauty. In today’s digital age, the challenge lies in how to protect and pass down this unique cultural
heritage, a crucial concern for local ethnic cultural preservation efforts. This paper aims to explore
the application of digital art in the innovative design of traditional Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic
costumes, with a special focus on the inheritance and development in the realm of virtual film and
television. This endeavor seeks to drive innovation in traditional culture, promote cultural values,
and provide valuable insights into the application of traditional attire in the digital era. By infusing
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/18/20231108
© 2023 The Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
29

traditional culture with new vitality and allure through digital art, this research continuously pushes
it towards the intersection of purity and modernity. Through the application of digital technology, it
offers better protection, promotion, and development opportunities for the inheritance of Aoluguya
Ewenki ethnic costumes, injecting new vigor into the preservation of their traditional cultural
heritage.
2. The Aoluguya Ewenki Ethnic Group and Traditional Attire
The Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic group, also known as the Evenki, is an indigenous ethnic group in
Northeast China, primarily residing in the eastern regions of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
and the northern parts of Heilongjiang Province. With a history dating back centuries, this ethnic
group has developed unique ways of life and cultural traditions within challenging natural
surroundings. The Ewenki people are renowned for their rich hunting culture and close connection
with nature, where their lives and traditional attire reflect profound understanding and adaptability
to the environment.
Figure 1: Aoluguya Ewenki traditional women’s robe [1].
Traditional ethnic attire serves not only as clothing but also as an expression of culture and
identity. The traditional clothing of the Ewenki ethnic group reflects their history, way of life, and
values. Typically, the styles and cuts of traditional Ewenki attire are designed to suit their living
environment and needs. Men’s attire is often crafted from thick fur, such as deer or wolf skins, to
provide warmth and protection against severe cold. These garments are typically in the form of
robes that cover the entire body, offering both ease of movement and resistance against harsh
weather conditions. Women’s clothing places a greater emphasis on decorative details, featuring
more colorful elements and embroidery. In the Ewenki culture, green represents the lush forest,
earthy yellow symbolizes the bountiful land, and red signifies the thriving campfire. Therefore, their
attire incorporates shades of green, earthy yellow, and red in addition to leather materials. The
Ewenki people worship the sun, and the reindeer is a symbol of their ethnicity, so their clothing
often features motifs like reindeer totems or sunflowers, which carry auspicious meanings.
Additionally, various plant fibers, bird feathers, and colorful stones from nature are used for
embellishments, adding depth and aesthetic appeal to their attire.
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/18/20231108
30

Figure 2: Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic sunflower [2].
The patterns and decorations on traditional attire often hold specific symbolic meanings for the
Ewenki ethnic group, tied to their religion, history, and legends. For instance, some patterns on their
clothing may depict hunting scenes, expressing gratitude and reliance on nature. Meanwhile, the
colors and shapes of these patterns may convey auspicious and blessing symbols [3].
Figure 3: Aoluguya Ewenki ethnic “birch bark culture” [4].
Traditional ethnic attire is more than just ornamentation; it carries profound symbolic
significance. It serves as a marker of identity and cultural belonging for the Ewenki people,
showcasing their close connection to the land and environment. The patterns, totems, and
decorations on these garments convey insights into life and nature, embodying the history and
wisdom of the ethnic group. Traditional attire also plays a vital role in social and religious
ceremonies, representing the cohesion of the ethnic group and their traditional values [5].
3. Digital Art and Innovation in Fashion Design
Digital art has emerged as a form of creative expression that combines digital technology and
artistic creation, resulting in new visual and perceptual experiences. It spans various domains,
including digital painting, digital sculpture, virtual reality, and more. With technological
advancements, digital art has not only provided artists with additional creative tools and mediums
but has also opened up entirely new possibilities in the realm of creation by merging traditional and
digital elements to craft unique art forms.
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/18/20231108
31

3.1. The Application of Digital Art in Fashion Design
The application of digital art in the field of fashion design represents an innovative approach that
equips designers with an array of creative tools and mediums, enabling them to create distinctive
and eye-catching clothing pieces. Digitized fashion design allows designers to use digital drawing
software to craft virtual clothing designs swiftly, from initial sketches to detailed patterns,
facilitating rapid design creation, modification, and adjustment. This heightened flexibility
empowers designers to create diverse clothing styles, patterns, and color schemes while easily
modifying and adjusting designs, thereby enhancing creative efficiency.
In the realm of virtual film and animation, digital art enables designers to craft a multitude of
virtual attire, forging unique character images that showcase various styles and cultural elements
within virtual worlds. Additionally, digital customization, facilitated by digital technology, allows
customers to select patterns, colors, and styles on digital platforms, achieving unique virtual
clothing customization. These applications collectively drive innovation and development in the
field of virtual fashion design. The utilization of digital art not only promotes innovation and
diversification in fashion design but also enhances the precision of the design process, providing a
better interactive experience for users. It paves the way for designers to explore entirely new
creative domains, fostering the advancement of the fashion industry [6].
3.2. The Impact of Digital Art on Innovative Traditional Attire
Digital art injects modern elements into traditional attire, enabling traditional clothing to align with
contemporary fashion trends. Through digital technology, designers can create unique patterns, cuts,
and styles, infusing new vitality into traditional attire, thus capturing the attention of younger
generations interested in traditional cultural arts.
Digital art has brought revolutionary changes to how traditional attire is presented. Virtual reality
technology allows people to experience traditional cultures by virtually wearing traditional attire
from entirely new perspectives. Digital technology, through interactive elements and multimedia
presentations, allows audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of
traditional attire. Furthermore, digital art provides a new platform for innovative developments in
traditional attire, combining tradition and innovation. This not only preserves the core of traditional
culture but also infuses it with fresh imagination and creativity, facilitating better inheritance and
development of traditional attire in modern society, thereby preserving its vitality and appeal [7].
Through digital technology, innovative traditional attire can transcend geographical and cultural
boundaries, making it easier to connect with global audiences. Digital display and communication
methods, such as social media and virtual exhibitions, enable traditional attire to convey its cultural
value and aesthetic characteristics more widely. These transformations not only amplify the
influence of traditional attire but also enrich people’s understanding of cultural diversity, opening up
new avenues for the future development of traditional clothing.
4. The Prospects of Digital Technology and Ethnic Clothing Design
4.1. Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age
In the digital age, traditional attire faces a range of challenges and opportunities that shape the
interaction between fashion design and traditional culture. Challenges include the risk of cultural
loss and homogenization. Globalized dissemination in the digital era may lead to the assimilation or
misunderstanding of traditional attire, resulting in cultural loss and homogenization, thus losing its
uniqueness. The rapid pace of fashion trends and digital platforms such as social media can make it
challenging for traditional attire to keep up, potentially leading to marginalization. Additionally,
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/18/20231108
32

issues related to design protection and infringement pose challenges. In the digital age, concerns
arise regarding intellectual property rights and design protection, where traditional attire patterns
and elements may be misappropriated or infringed upon, affecting the rights of original designers
[8]. However, within these challenges, significant opportunities lie. The digital age provides a
platform for both cultural preservation and innovation for traditional attire. Digital art
revolutionizes the presentation of traditional attire. Virtual reality technology allows individuals to
experience traditional cultures from entirely new perspectives. Digital technology, through
interactive elements and multimedia presentations, enables audiences to gain a deeper
understanding of the history and significance of traditional attire. Furthermore, digital art innovation
platforms combine tradition and innovation, preserving the core of traditional culture while infusing
it with fresh imagination and creativity. This facilitates the better inheritance and development of
traditional attire in modern society, maintaining its vibrancy and allure. Display and interactive
experiences allow people to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of traditional
attire. The digital age brings numerous opportunities for traditional attire while also requiring
strategies to maximize the role of digital technology in the protection and innovation of traditional
attire when necessary.
4.2. The Inheritance and Development of the Ewenki Culture in the Digital Context
With the rapid development of digital technology, the Ewenki culture faces new opportunities and
challenges in terms of inheritance and development. Cultural inheritance in the digital context
involves not only preserving tradition but also integrating it into modern society to ensure the
vitality of this precious ethnic culture amidst changing times.
In the digital context, the inheritance and development of Ewenki culture exhibit unique trends,
particularly in the domain of virtual film and animation. Digital technology provides an entirely
new platform, merging traditional culture with modern media and promoting the inheritance and
development of Ewenki culture. Digitized patterns and embroidery inject fresh innovative elements
into virtual film and animation. Designers can use digital technology to deconstruct, process, and
reinterpret traditional patterns, enabling better presentations in the virtual world. Through online
education, virtual film, and other technologies, younger generations can gain a more intuitive
understanding and experience of Ewenki culture, strengthening their cultural identity [9].
Virtual film and animation, as innovative forms of expression, infuse new vitality into Ewenki
culture. It allows the virtual representation of traditional clothing, customs, and rituals, providing
audiences with a more immersive experience of the unique charm of this ethnic group. Virtual film
and animation also offer dynamic ways to present traditional cultural stories and legends. Through
dynamic images, sound, and other interactive elements, it vividly conveys the culture’s essence,
allowing participants to experience the beauty and history of traditional attire firsthand.
Furthermore, the global nature of virtual film and animation’s dissemination allows Ewenki culture
to transcend geographical and national boundaries, aiding in the protection and inheritance of these
valuable cultural heritages and providing essential resources for future generations’ learning and
re-creation.
5. Conclusion
In the digital age, digital art plays a vital role in the innovative design and cultural inheritance of
Ewenki ethnic fashion. Through the application of digital technology, traditional attire blends with
modern elements, resulting in unique and creative works. Nevertheless, the inheritance and
innovation within the digital context also come with challenges, such as fragmented information
and cultural preservation. To achieve successful cultural inheritance and innovation, a balance
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/18/20231108
33

between tradition and modernity is essential. Leveraging digital technology facilitates meaningful
creation and protection, allowing Ewenki ethnic fashion to flourish under the guidance of digital art.
The digital context offers unprecedented opportunities for cultural inheritance, promoting
intergenerational transmission and global dissemination.
References
[1] Image and relevant information source: Self-captured by the author.
[2] Image and relevant information source: Aoluguya Evenki Ethnic Sunflower. Retrieved from
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1608493403072798929&wfr=spider&for=pc (Source: Xinhua News Agency,
“Blossoming ‘Sunflower’ of the Ewenki Ethnic Group on the Inheritance Road”).
[3] Schentoya, Toru Nakayama. The life appearance of Daur herdsmen in grassland area and the pattern change of
nomads: A case study of the Daur nationality Township of Bayantala, Ewenki Autonomous Banner, Hulunbuir
City [J]. 112-116. Journal of the Japan Domestic Economics Association, JPN(2022).
[4] Image and relevant information source: Aoluguya Evenki Ethnic “Birch Bark Culture”. Retrieved from :
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzA3NTM1NzMxNQ==&mid=2650476661&idx=3&sn=f15c7a99d762a0319
990eb72fe820f7a&chksm=877e7d99b009f48f568da98ce3fa48139381d6cfd366b7c88ab738f17f1c946eb61fb49f32
51&scene=27 (Source: Genhe City Culture and Tourism Bureau).
[5]
ᠭ ᠦ ᠩ ᠢ ᠤ ᠢ
.
ᠤ ᠯ ᠭ ᠤ ᠶ ᠠ
ᠶ ᠢ ᠨ ᠪ ᠤ ᠭ ᠤ ᠴ ᠢ ᠨ ᠡ ᠸ ᠩ ᠬ ᠢ ᠴ ᠤ ᠳ
ᠤ ᠨ ᠤ ᠯ ᠠ ᠮ ᠵ ᠢ ᠯ ᠠ ᠯ ᠲ ᠤ ᠬ ᠤ ᠪ ᠴ ᠠ ᠰ ᠤ
ᠵ ᠠ ᠰ ᠠ ᠯ ᠵ ᠢ ᠴ ᠢ ᠲ ᠡ ᠭ ᠦ ᠨ
ᠢ ᠬ ᠡ ᠷ ᠬ ᠢ ᠨ ᠬ ᠠ ᠮ ᠠ ᠭ ᠠ ᠯ ᠠ ᠵ ᠤ ᠬ ᠦ ᠭ ᠵ ᠢ ᠬ ᠦ ᠯ ᠬ ᠦ ᠲ ᠤ ᠬ ᠠ ᠢ
[J].
1-4. Inner Mongolia Social Sciences (Mongolian Edition), MN(2016).
[6] Li, L. L., & Zong, M. M. (2012). Protection and Inheritance of Traditional Costume of the Ewenki Ethnic Group.
Popular literature and art: Academic Edition, 12-14. [CN(2012)].
[7] Qi, Y. (2023). Ewenki Traditional Costume and Its Folk Cultural Connotations. Bai Hua, 2-6. [CN(2023)].
[8] Zhang, J. J., & Pan, B. (2015). A Costume Art Education Resource Library with a Distinctive Feature for Cultural
Heritage Preservation. Art & Design Research, 6-9. [CN(2015)].
[9] Yi, Q. Y. (2014). Application of 3D Printing Technology in Stereoscopic Modeling of Ethnic Costumes. Yi Hai,
16-20. [CN(2014)].
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/18/20231108
34