Conservation of Dong Minority Wooden Structures: <i>In Situ</i> Material Investigation of the Yashang Drum Tower in Hunan, China

The Dong Minority Drum Tower is an essential element of Chinese wooden structural heritage. Although its historical and cultural context has been frequently discussed, the material characteristics remain virtually unexplored. This study focuses on Yashang as a representative structure aims to understand current conservation condition this piece vernacular heritage today. presents first technical results in situ investigation wherein wood species physical mechanical properties two samples were identified. A macroscopic inspection visual classification conducted, moisture content internal qualities structures detected via non-/minor-destructive tests. preliminary conclusions with regard three critical issues include particular indigenous material, structure, terms conservation.