Guizhou Echo |穿在身上的史书—

Miao Embroidery:

A History Book Worn by People

Miao ebroidery is a representative craft of the Miao ethnic group. It was included in China's first list of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. More importantly, it is hailed as“a history book worn by people". The Miao people have no written language, so embroidery is said to be a way to record the histo- ry of the ethnic group's migration.Legend has it that a female leader named Lanjuan came up with the way of recording migration history with colored lines or symbols.

On their wedding days, Miao girls would put on costumes they have embroidered with patterns about the ethnic group's migration history.

贵银

Miao embroidery features varied needlework as well as bold and bright colors. Today, it is well combined with fashion design to turn out more diversified products that are introduced to the world and even appear in Paris's fashion shows, known as “Haute Couture Hidden in the Mountains".

文丽蜡染刺绣

In addition to ar-tistic charm, Miao embroidery has also become an important source of income. Countless female embroiderers have lifted themselves out of poverty through this ancient craft.