Yunnan Spinning top : Local Wisdom and Knowledge Management

Introduction: Yunnan spinning tops, especially Jizong, Jinggu, and Shuangbai tops, are significant origins and inheritors of Chinese spinning tops. Carved from hardwood, they exhibit diverse shapes and play styles, reflecting local cultural identity and ethnic minorities' emotional memories. However, globalization, tourism, and commercialization have led to the loss of their original connotation and national characteristics, impacting local culture and wisdom.Methods: Adopting a qualitative research approach with semiotics and knowledge management theory, this study explores Yunnan spinning tops' origin, local wisdom, protection, and knowledge management. Surveys, interviews, and observations collected information on origins, production processes, ceremonial applications, and technical characteristics.Results: Yunnan tops are tools for fitness, entertainment, and the crystallization of local wisdom and skills. They integrate traditional woodworking crafts, reflecting craftsmen's pursuit of beauty. Tops are also linked to local beliefs and celebrations, becoming essential parts of festivals or rituals. During ethnic minority celebrations, top competitions and performances express yearning for a better life and respect for ancestors.Conclusion: Protecting Yunnan spinning tops' local wisdom through knowledge management is crucial. Their unique charm as intangible cultural heritage is demonstrated, and systematic protection strategies are proposed. These strategies aid in preserving and transmitting traditional skills and cultural values, enabling sustainable development in modern society. Comprehensive knowledge acquisition, organization, storage, sharing, application, and innovation promote living inheritance and innovative development, enhancing national cultural confidence and influence, and providing references for other intangible cultural heritage protection