Silver Ornaments of the Miao Ethnic Group

Silver Chest Bands

A popular silver chest decoration, the bands are usually rectangular or semicircular and evolved from  longevity locks. Some smaller ones are made of single pieces, and bigger ones are made up of two or three pieces, covering almost the whole chest and abdomen with a highly decorative effect.

Silver Hanging Decorations

The most common hanging decorations are shaped like butterflies, birds, fish, coins, and riding figures. They usually consist of chains, brands, and pendants arranged in as many as four to five levels, and the longest can be up to 85 cm long.

Hand Decorations

Silver Bracelets

Bracelets are an important part of the Miao people's silver decorations. There are many variations in shape and different styles represent the diversified tastes of various Miao group branches. People usually wear four or five pairs of bracelets at a time up their forearms.

Silver Rings

Miao silver rings are usually large and wide featuring birds, flowers or vines. There is no specific restriction on how many or where to wear rings. The Miao people near Guiyang sometimes wear eight rings at one time - one on each finger except the two thumbs. In comparison with other silver Miao ornaments, there are few patterns and styles for rings, and they are only popular in a small number of regions.
 

Clothing Decorations

Silver Patches

People of the Miao branch near the Qingshui River delta area traditionally wear clothes with silver patches. The most common patches are square, rectangular or round and usually feature reliefs of lions, tigers, phoenixes, golden pheasants, dragons, cranes, butterflies, flowers, children and arhats (enlightened Buddhists). Butterfly-shaped bells decorate the bottom of gowns and wristbands, ringing melodiously when the girls walk.

Silver Waist Chains

Silver waist chains are mainly shaped like plum blossoms, with single or double layers.

Silver Clasps

Silver clasps are most common in the Duliu River delta area. These clasps are highly decorative.

Back Decorations

Back decorations can be functional or purely for ornamental purpose. These decorations are usually shaped like butterflies or gourds, and are mostly worn by girls and women.

Others

Waistbands and foot decorations are popular in some regions.

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