Miao Textiles at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The Miao are one of several ethnic minorities living in the subtropical mountainous areas of southwestern China. Different groups include the Dong, Yi, Yao, Shui, Bouyi, Li, Gejia, and Bai among many others. For thousands of years, these migrating peoples have developed rich, cultural traditions and they are increasingly being recognized for their extraordinary handcrafted textiles and silver jewelry. It is the area of costume where mythology, technical skill, and cultural identity coalesce in vivid aesthetic expression.

Until recently, most of these remote, ethnic villages were relatively isolated from the majority Han Chinese population. Chinas rapid modernization, however, has penetrated even the minority districts of Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guangdong provinces. The resultant economic, educational, and social changes have already begun to erode the look and use of traditional festive costumes worn by the Miao and other ethnic groups.

In 1988, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts purchased eleven Miao textiles primarily as a point of contrast with the exceptional collection of Qing dynasty imperial silks owned by the museum. Since that time, the ethnic minority collections have grown to over 1400 textiles and nearly 500 pieces of silver jewelry. Datable primarily to the late 20th century, these works were all added through the generosity of private patrons who provided substantial gifts of funds for purchases, as well as dedicated collectors who donated their private holdings.

It is hoped that this wonderful collection will add to further appreciation and understanding of China's highly accomplished, ethnic minorities and their art.

http://www.artsmia.org/art-of-asia/explore/explore-collection-miao-textiles.cfm

This video was produced in 2008 by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts with funding from a grant from the The Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nations 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. http://www.imls.gov/

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Education

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• Miao
• textiles
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• jewelry
• minneapolis
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• hmong
• guiyang
• festival
• sisters
• rice
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• guizhou
• ethnic
• minorities
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[niamtxiv]

If I have the money, I would collect these beautiful clothes. :) 

[aliasdoe007]

Wow! Sent chills throughout my body. Being Hmong I am glad our Miao brethens are coming into the 21st century. However it saddens me that a lot of our identity, culture, and heritage will change and disappear also. I just hope it will lead to a brighter future for all.

[Ooilei]

Great video, but I don't like how the narrator made it seem as if there is a difference between Miao and Hmong. We are the same people, not "distant ancestors". Yang Geli, a Miao artist from Guizhou, China coming and performing at Hmong New Year here in America and calling himself and all Miao people Hmong proves that. We are one people, but we have many names including Miao and Hmong, but also, Hmu, Ahmao, and Ghao Xong.

[maylena11]

wow impressed.

[iprep87]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS CLIPS!! What an amazing find. This gives me goosebumps :D

[blueberrysmilie1]

lol "asian style on the floor".... x).........this video has great information :)

[xOxchouaxOx]

thanks for posting.

[koobhaamxyooj]

haiv hmoob yauv tsum au dab tsi so kwv tij hmoob

hmoob yog hmoob hmoob yuav tsum sib hlub thiaj li taag

[milvipes]

I wouldn't be surprised if Hmong Americans were instrumental in organizing the event.

[goatopera]

comment added by author

excellent