一种奇特的书写符号——“鲁班字”

"Lu Ban" Characters: Unique Writing Signs

土家族地区木匠这一行业中通用着一种主要用于土家族民间房屋建筑上的奇特的书写符号,木匠们将其称为"鲁班字"。其书写方法、读法及使用范围都极为独特。"鲁班字"应该是一种"土俗字",其产生时间最迟不晚于明清时期。其创造人就是无数土家族能工巧匠。

A unique writing system is in common use among carpenters who name the writing signs 'Lu Ban' characters which are craved on the building in Tujia nationality areas. With unique calligraphy, pronunciation and range of application, 'Lu Ban' characters should be 'local script' created by skillful craftsmen of Tujia nationality not late than Ming and Qing Dynasty.