Signature silver distinguishes ethnic societies
Print Edition
THE Miao ethnic minority is really a series of clans, such as the Black Miao, White Miao, Flowery Miao and Red Miao.
Each has its own dialect, distinctive culture and even specialized styles of silver ornaments.
A full set of Miao silver ornaments generally consists of a silver horn, hairpins, a hat, a comb, necklaces, bracelets, a pair of earrings, waist chain and several garment accessories. The weight of a complete set is about 6 kilograms, which is a lot to carry around, according to silversmiths in Kongbai Village.
Miao silver ornamentation goes beyond just visual decoration. It cuts to the heart of who the Miao people are, reflecting their history, beliefs and traditions.
Except for the silver horn, which can be bequeathed only to a male heir, all other forms of silver ornaments are passed down the matrilineal line.
The silver horn symbolizes a family’s protector and is considered the most precious of silver ornaments. It signifies the buffalo, which is considered a divine animal in Miao culture and is often used in sacrificial rites to honor ancestors.
The butterfly motif is another frequent symbol on silver ornaments. The Miao people identify the butterfly with the origins of humans.
In ancient mythology, the butterfly gave birth to the first man named Jiang Yang and the first woman named Ni Yang, as well as 10 other sacred ancestors including the buffalo, tiger, snake and thunder god.
Other ornamental motives include tung tree blossoms, which “remind” Miao farmers to start plowing in the spring; maple leaves because the tree is believed to be the birthplace of their “mother” butterfly; and the Jiyu bird, which in Miao mythology helped the “mother” butterfly hatch 12 eggs.
Many traditional Chinese patterns can also be found on Miao silver ornaments. Among them is the bat, whose pronunciation in Chinese is a homophone (fu) for the word meaning “good fortune.”
Another is the popular Han pattern of two dragons frolicking with a pearl, which symbolizes the pursuit of happiness.
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