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May 29, 2015

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Miao people subject of new exhibition

By Wu Huixin | May 29, 2015, Friday | Print Edition

AN exhibition showcasing the history, culture and handiwork of the Miao minority group is on view at Zhejiang Museum in Hangzhou through June 14.

The Miao are one of China’s 55 minority groups. Although the group’s population today numbers only about 9.4 million, their skills as silversmiths and embroiderers have caught the world’s attention.

The Miao people are believed to be the descendents of the ancient Jiuli tribe, a group dating to the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors era (2852 BC to 2070 BC).

According to legend, when the tribe’s mythic leader, Chi You, was killed in battle with the Yellow Emperor the remaining Jiuli members dispersed and settled in mountainous areas of today’s southwest China.

In the 16th century, a body of the Miao people migrated to Southeast Asia. Some descendents of this population eventually emigrated to Europe, North America and Australia in the 20th century.

During modern times on the Chinese mainland, they formed communities in areas which include Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan, Sichuan and Guangdong provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The Miao people have developed their own traditions and culture through the centuries. Many of their artifacts are now on view, including examples of their beautiful ornate silver headdresses, collars and necklaces, as well as their embroidery and medicine.

Silver figures heavily in the culture of the group. According to Miao myth, the moon was forged by gods using silver. Miao legend also has it that Chi You was the first person to use metal weapons and tools in China.

But the silver-working tradition of the Miao also had practical applications. At various times throughout history, the Miao were displaced from their homes by war and conflict. To make it easier to transport their wealth, members of the tribe began forging it into silver necklaces and headdresses which could be worn.

In Miao tradition, silver accessories have long been considered symbols of womanhood. Even today, Miao women wear silver jewelry and other accessories during their daily lives as well as festivals.

Many of the silver artifacts on display now at Zhejiang Museum include examples of common Miao decorative techniques and totems. One reoccurring symbol is the maple tree, which represents the weapon which was in Chi You’s hand when he was slain. The phoenix and the fish are two common totems — the former associated with good weather while the latter symbolizes fertility.

The most common accessory is the silver collar. One collar on display in the exhibition features embossed phoenix feathers and butterflies. The details of the collar so were exquisitely wrought that even the veins on the butterfly are clearly visible.

Another highlight of the exhibition are the Miao costumes. Typical items of Miao folk dress feature tie-dyed patterns, symmetrical embroidery work and decorative cuffs bearing auspicious images.

Due to their long history of migration, the Miao people are divided into 200 branches across the country. Though their costumes share many unifying characteristics, they still vary from place to place.

In addition to the splendid costumes and craft goods, Miao medicines represent another eye-catching part of the exhibition.

Miao medicine is said to have upwards of 4,000 years of history. Formerly, people associated it with magic, superstition and witchcraft.

After centuries of development though, Miao medicine has evolved into a branch of traditional Chinese medicine and now enjoys great fame throughout the country.

Miao medicine is said to be beneficial in treating bone fractures, rheumatism and skin diseases.

Music, another important aspect of Miao culture, is also given its due with several different examples of sheng, a traditional reed-pipe wind instrument. During festivals, weddings and funerals, the instrument’s melodic tones are often used to convey emotions and thoughts which human speech fails to capture.

 

Date: Through June 14, 9am-5pm (closed on Mondays)

Address: No. 29, West Lake Cultural Square

Hangzhou


 

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