ty pe s peci m en
Miao Minority Ethic Group Cultuer Collection
2
This book is a tribute to the great vernacular culture, the Miao(苗) people, and my homeland.
Miao Minority Ethic Group Cultuer Collection
4
II...Silverware II...Mom
Butterfly
from Guizhou's Miao Minority
f
Fer mentation, Type Specimen
6
The honor of nature
in Letterform: Fermentation
Miao Silver Letterfor ms, Type Specimen
8
Miao Silver Letterforms, Type Specimen, 2023
9
Miao Silverware, Letterfor m Earrings
10
*ISilverware Miao silverware signifies
11
*Iprotecting *Ihealing *Ispiritual reverence
Miao Silverware, Letterfor m Earrings
12
13
Miao silverware, embellished with intricate nature-inspired patterns, transforms accessories like earrings into exquisite cultural treasures, embodying the Miao people's deep reverence for the natural world.
Miao Silver, Torque, 1995
14
Miao Silverware, Letterform Torque
15
Miao Silver, Hat, 2005
16
Miao Silverware, Letterform Hat
17
Miao Silver, Necklace, 1998
18
Miao Silver, Hair Accessor y
Miao Silver, Pendant
19
Miao Silver, Box
The Stor y of Mom Butterfly
22
Miao Ancestors were said to be born from ... .; .
...
butterfly eggs.
The Stor y of Mom Butterfly
24
The mother for gods, animals, and humans. Mom Butterfly
Miao Butterfly Totem
26
*IMom Butterfly Miao's totems are
*I sacred *I maternal *Icultural emblem
Embroidered Patch, Stor y of Mom Butterfly
32
33 The Stor y of Mom Butterfly
The Mom Butterfly born from the maple tree, whose gentle wings birthed everything. Her grace and nurturing spirit shaped existence, intertwining all life with her benevolent touch.
Embroidered Patch, Stor y of Mom Butterfly
34
35 The Stor y of Mom Butterfly
The diverse of beings, each carrying a trace of her innate kindness, embodiment of maternal care, and selflessness. Her story is woven into the cultural tapestry, revered by Miao.
Embroidered Patch, Cotton,1990
36
Miao Mom Butterfly
37
Baby Carrier Panel, Cotton,1995
38
Miao Mom Butterfly
39
Embroidered Patch, Cotton, 1995
40
Miao Mom Butterfly
41
Embroidered Patch, Cotton,1989
42
Miao Mom Butterfly
43
苗
Miao
The Miao 苗 people in the province of Guizhou, China, boast a rich history intertwined with cultural diversity and a deep reverence for nature. Around the early centuries AD, the Miao settled in this region, cultivating their unique traditions amidst Guizhou's lush landscapes. Guizhou, characterized by its mountainous terrain and secluded valleys, has been integral in safeguarding the Miao culture akin to ancient times. Its geographical isolation acted as the shield, allowing the Miao to uphold their distinct customs and traditions, largely unaffected by external influences. This environment facilitated the preservation of their unique craftsmanship and spiritual beliefs, and created an enclave where Miao folklore thrived, fostering a resilient culture. Thanks to the terrain, it served as a conduit for passing down ancestral wisdom, enabling the connection for us, in the modern era, to grasp this mysterious significance.
(1)
Smith, John. The Miao People: Cultural Heritage and Traditions. Guiyang: Miao Publishing House, 2010.
(2)
Wang, Li. "Nature in Miao Art: Symbolism and Spiritual Beliefs." Journal of Miao Studies 5, no. 2 (2015): 4560.
Nature serves as the cornerstone of Miao culture and art, and the artworks adorned with nature-inspired motifs represent the most treasured items that could constitute Miao people's dowry for generations. These items symbolize the honor, power, and rich heritage of each of the Miao family. Today, Guizhou stands as the vibrant cultural hub, where the Miao proudly display their artistic heritage, illustrating a timeless relationship with nature, echoing the ancestral expressions.
(3)
Chen, Wei. "Environmental Ethics Among the Miao." Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Miao Studies, Guiyang, August 25, 2018.
(4)
Guizhou Ethnic Studies Institute. The Miao People: A Cultural Exploration. Guiyang: Guizhou Publishing House, 2008.
(5)
Li, Jing. Echoes of Tradition: Miao Art and Craftsmanship. Beijing: Cultural Press, 2015.
(6)
Yang, Cheng. Legends of the Butterfly Mom: An Anthology of Miao Folklore. Shanghai: Yangtze River Publishing, 2013.
Edited and designed by Ar iela Yaqi Zhang Pr inted in Connecticut, US, 2023