Semiotic analysis and contemporary translation of traditional wooden architectural decorative patterns in Xinjiang

Abstract

This study examines the symbolic evolution of decorative motifs in the traditional wooden architecture of Xinjiang, utilizing a combination of semiotic theory and quantitative analysis. A dataset consisting of 152 samples collected from 27 heritage sites across seven regions is employed to identify statistically significant patterns of motif transformation across various historical periods and religious contexts. By applying MANOVA and ordered logistic regression, the research substantiates a three-phase model of symbolic evolution: transitioning from spiritual naturalism during the Han and Tang dynasties, to theological abstraction in the Song and Yuan dynasties, and ultimately to formalized semantic networks in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The findings highlight the role of architectural symbols as dynamic cultural codes shaped by transregional exchange, religious ideologies, and craft traditions. This research contributes to the fields of heritage theory and practice by offering a data-informed framework for the interpretation, preservation, and reimagining of symbolic ornamentation within multicultural architectural contexts.