The Nanzhao Iron Pillar, cast during the reign of Meng Shilong,is an important cultural relic for the study of the history, culture, religion, and folk customs of Nanzhao,as well as the living environment,totem worship,and religious beliefs of Yi people''s ancestors.Judging from the overall structure of the iron pillar and the "Pillar Sacrifice Diagram" depicted in the "Nanzhao Scroll Painting",the Nanzhao Iron Pillar is not only a sacrificial pillar for the nobles of Nanzhao, but also a concentrated manifestation of the reproductive worship and the custom of sacrificing to the Heaven among Yi''s ancestors.It represents a positive attempt by the royal family of Nanzhao in the middle and late periods of Nanzhao to integrate ethnic groups,enhance ethnic solidarity,and reshape ethnic beliefs by making use of ethnic totems so as to consolidate their regime.