Abstract:

 Stealing is normally assumed to be a violation of the social order. Such behavior is even associated with sin and punishment, thus subject to legislative punishment. However, in anthropological studies, the very human behavior of stealing is considered to have social and cultural meanings. This paper, citing Yi people's stealing of mines in G County of Liangshan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province as an example, argues that “stealing” is a social concept and a practice whose meaning is culturally relative and complicated, varying according to different contexts. Anthropological research can help us better understand the emotional demand and cultural representation of this seemingly negative concept.

Key words: Liangshan, anthropology, Yi ethnic group, stealing, mineral resources