There can be no argument; the embroidery work painstakingly created by the Miao women of South West China is some of the most elaborate to be found anywhere in the world. Which makes a lot of sense considering it is not only highly decorative but can also be seen as the greatest communicator of their culture. Their patterns and motifs are handed down from generation to generation, reflecting their world views, their values, telling their history and recounting their myths and legends. Miao embroidery is complex and exquisite and an extraordinary medium for expressing and preserving Miao culture.
Traditionally, their highly guarded techniques and patterns are passed down from mother to daughter at the very young age of 6 or 7. This is an integral part of a young girl’s education as it not only teaches them craftsmanship but also the history and culture of their ancestors and celebrates their connectivity and reverence with the spirit world and their natural environment.
Vibrantly embroidered dragons, chickens, butterflies, ducks, lions and dogs as well as people, flowers and trees can be seen in abundance within one embroidered garment.
Sometimes the lines of distinction are blurred with animals supporting human heads, or multiple animals combined together in the one image – all of which tell a story that the Miao understand.
A length of swirling scrolls depicts a river that charts the progress of the long, slow migration of the Miao from their earliest ancestors who lived near the Yellow river, to the rivers of Guizhou where many Miao live today. Fish motifs express a wish for good fortune, spiders represent their guardian ancestors, flowers celebrate abundance and vitality. In Miao folktales, people can become dragons, as can fish, bulls and snakes so the Miao often depict dragons with body parts of one or more of these species.
