关键词： 土司学, 土司制度, 独特性, 东北卫所制

Abstract: Every specialized research field is characterized by its uniqueness.Without it,it could not be called a study.The formation of the study of Tusi is not only due to its long research on Tusi,but also its unique academic connotation,which is originated from the unique history of Tusi System.Since the Yuan Dynasty (1206—1368),the Tusi system has been an important local administrative system in southwestern China,playing an irreplaceable role in local governance,making it impossible to research the history in southwestern China without it.The uniqueness of Tusi system represents a new model of regional social governance.The regulations of inheritance,tribute payment and requisition of a Tusi,as a local official,are different from those of an official sent by the central government who is not inheritable.As an administrative system in the frontier regions,Tusi system is different from other systems of frontier regions,such as those in northeastern China in the Ming dynasty (1368—1644),and in Mongolia and Xinjiang in the Qing dynasty (1316—1912).Many Tusi sites and Tusi cultural heritages have shown the unique features of Tusi system and Tusi culture.It could be said that there would be no the uniqueness of the study of Tusi without the unique Tusi system.

Key words: the study of Tusi, Tusi system, uniqueness, “Weisuo” system in northeastern China (a military system in northeastern China in the Ming dynasty)