The Ancestors' Saying is inspired by the history and current circumstances of the Tunpu, an ethnic subgroup of the Han people living in southwest China. It uses metaphorical and symbolic animals to present the fascinating Tunpu stories in a non-linear fashion.

​

    According to widely accepted accounts, the Tunpu people are believed to be descendants of an army sent by the Ming Dynasty's central government to suppress local rebellions. Many within the community uphold the image of their ancestors as "heroic generals who arrived on horseback," a belief reinforced by traditional performances such as 'Di Opera,' which emphasize loyalty and patriotism.

​

    However, academic studies suggest that many Tunpu ancestors were ordinary people forced to migrate due to the hereditary military system. Isolated from other local communities for over 300 years due to their ethnic and military identity, the Tunpu people have preserved certain Ming-era customs, possibly as a way of maintaining dignity and continuity in the face of isolation.

​

    Despite local narratives, especially those tied to tourism, the area is home to a more diverse population. Influences from other ethnic groups, such as the Miao and Kam, have shaped the Tunpu Han group's aesthetics and traditions. Some scholars have critiqued the focus on promoting the Tunpu Han phenomenon as it may overshadow the diverse voices in the region and impact local unity.

While the Tunpu case is distinctive, it reflects broader themes of how power structures can shape the lives of ordinary people, a dynamic found in many societies globally.