Miao_1203

ty pe s peci m en

Miao Minority Ethic Group Cultuer Collection

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This book is a tribute to the great vernacular culture, the Miao(苗) people, and my homeland.

Miao Minority Ethic Group Cultuer Collection

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II...Silverware II...Mom

Butterfly

from Guizhou's Miao Minority

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Fer mentation, Type Specimen

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The honor of nature

in Letterform: Fermentation

Miao Silver Letterfor ms, Type Specimen

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Miao Silver Letterforms, Type Specimen, 2023

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Miao Silverware, Letterfor m Earrings

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*ISilverware Miao silverware signifies

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*Iprotecting *Ihealing *Ispiritual reverence

Miao Silverware, Letterfor m Earrings

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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

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Miao Silverware, Letterform Torque

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Miao Silver, Hat, 2005

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Miao Silverware, Letterform Hat

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Miao Silver, Necklace, 1998

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Miao Silver, Hair Accessor y

Miao Silver, Pendant

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Miao Silver, Box

The Stor y of Mom Butterfly

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Miao Ancestors were said to be born from ... .; .

...

butterfly eggs.

The Stor y of Mom Butterfly

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The mother for gods, animals, and humans.

Mom Butterfly

Miao Butterfly Totem

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*IMom Butterfly Miao's totems are

*I sacred *I maternal *Icultural emblem

Embroidered Patch, Stor y of Mom Butterfly

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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

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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

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Miao Mom Butterfly

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Baby Carrier Panel, Cotton,1995

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Miao Mom Butterfly

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Embroidered Patch, Cotton, 1995

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Miao Mom Butterfly

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Embroidered Patch, Cotton,1989

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Miao Mom Butterfly

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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