MIAO'S SILVER ACCESSORY CULTURE

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

In ancient times, Miao people believed that the divine power which enabled them to keep away evil spirits lay in their subsistence, so they hung fruits, seeds, fur and animal bones around their bodies.

The hanging stuff changed gradually as time went by until the Ming Dynasty, when they eventually developed into silver works.

Xijiang Miao Village from a bird-eye view.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Over the last 400 years, silver works have become Miao women’s typical accessories, symbolizing wealth, beauty and elegance.

TIME OF PRACTICEThe Miao’s tradition is when a girl is born, her parents will start saving money to make and collect fancy silver ornaments that can weigh several kilograms.

TIME OF PRACTICEOn the wedding

day, the girl will be wearing the beautiful silver accessories, adding joyful atmosphere to the happy event. The silver accessories serve as wedding jewelry for them.

Miao’s bridal dress and silver accessories.

TIME OF PRACTICE

• People get a better understand of their culture by these beautiful silver accessories.

• Besides,there are many exhibitions of Miao silver from which one can get his favorite accessory.

OBJECTIVE OF PRACTICE

• Primarily symbolizing aesthetic (beauty). • Symbolizing wealth, and elegance.• As amulets to ward off evil (superstition).

Miao style costume and silver accessories.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PRACTICE

• Miao people have been deeply enamored with silver since ancient times.

• The craft has developed into a unique art form, and a carrier of the culture.

MIAO SILVER IN MODERN DAY

• The Miao costume and accessory have become an unique form of folk art and tourism souvenir.

• With the economy development, Miao silver gradually be known by more and more people.

• Push the local economic growth.

http://www.plumant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Chinese-Miao-Silver-Jewelry-Long-Lived-Lock-5436-.jpg

Does your group support the practice? State the reason.

• Our group support the practice.• Reason :1. keep away evil spirits lay in our subsistence.2. symbols of wealth.