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When you see minority women in the villages, the
first thing that will catch your eye is the decoration on their
clothes. The clothes of the Yunnan minority people
come in several hundred varieties, many inspired directly from
nature, like the bamboo leg wrappings of the Nu ethnic group, the
linen capes of the Dulong minority people, the Yi ethnic group's
fire weed garment, the tapa coats of the Kemu people, the feather
hats of the Jingpo group, the wooden sandals and palm capes of the
Hani ethnic group, the rattan hoops of the De' ang ethnic group
and the yak capes of the Naxi ethnic group, to name but a few.
They are dyed with plants or ores in various colors like indigo
blue, alizarin red, and jasmine yellow. The traditional
handicrafts used in making their clothes and decorations include
the wax printing of the Miao and Yi ethnic groups, tie-dying of
the Bai group, and water soaked cloth of the Dai group as well as
the embroidery, including cross-stitch work, satin stitch, and cut
weaving and flat weaving of other minorities. The
decorations on the clothes, referred to as " historical records "
carry many symbols and mysterious meanings. From the embroidered
cloaks and pleated skirts worn by the Miao ethnic group, the older
generation can " read" the epic of ancient expeditions and
migrations. The decorations worn on the head of the Hani master of
sacrificial ceremonies carry the history of the migrations of
their ancestors to the south and the enigmatic language of
Creation. The white triangular handkerchiefs worn on heads of
Jinuo women imitate the Goddess of Creation and the red and black
stripes on their clothes and hats symbolize the number of souls.
The Yi group' s cockscomb hats and round felt hats with eyes on
them are the magic key to drive away evil spirits. The decorations
worn on the heads of the Hani girls indicate love. Some minority
people prefer black. They believe black is elegant and resembles
the spirit of their ancestors. Some prefer red. They believe red
is the color of Heaven and must be worn on head as a sign of
respect. |
