The Miao nationality is famously known for exquisite silver ornaments, which can be found throughout Miao-inhabiting regions such as in the Leishan county of Guizhou province and Phoenix county of Hu’nan Province. The fascinating craft of silver making is dominant in the Miao culture and stunning forms of silver ornaments are created by many members of the nationality.

The Miao people are one of the largest ethnic minorities situated in the Southwest of China with a population of over eight million people. Miao villages are mainly situated in the Guizhou, Hu’nan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Sichuan and Hainan provinces. The nationality is divided into several branches with three different dialects; however, the same written language is used for all.

Silver ornaments have been a part of the Miao culture for over four hundred years and continue to be a valued tradition. It is an ancient custom for Miao women to adorn themselves in silver jewelry for festivals and celebrations. A woman’s full set of jewelry can weigh more than fifteen kilograms. The jewelry is believed to ward off evil spirits and represents beauty, wealth and dignity. Butterflies are a dominant image on the silver jewelry as they symbolize life itself. It is traditional for the parents of a girl to collect and make fancy silver jewelry for her wedding day. The full set of jewelry usually includes a silver crown, horns, earrings, chest plaque, clothing ornaments, waistband, bracelets, hairpins, chains and bonnet ornaments.

The silver used by craftsmen features forty to sixty percent pure silver and is combined with white copper and nickel. Due to the lack of silver resources in the area, the Miao people would melt almost all the silver coins and ingots they earned to create stunning ornaments for the women of the town. This was the main reason for different purities of silver as currency differed from region to region. In 1950, the government started to allocate special silver resources to the Miao communities which helped regulate the purity of silver.

Silversmiths fuse the materials together to form Miao silver which is then smelted and cut into small flakes and threads. The silver is then carved, chiseled and welded into exquisite forms of amazing ornaments. In some villages, all Miao males are trained in the art of silver making with the skills being passed on from generation to generation. The level of craftsmanship ranges from basic styles such as plain bracelets and neck ware to exquisite and detailed masterpieces. The intricate designs of silver ornaments are inspired by other folk arts such as embroidery and wax printing. Craftsmen are continually perfecting their designs and will often change a pattern years after its production.

There are many different pieces of Miao ornaments that are worn and collected by the women of the nationality. Silver chest bands cover the chest and abdomen and are rectangular or semicircular. Silver hanging decorations can be viewed in the shape of butterflies, birds, fish and coins. They consist of chains and pendants arranged in four to five horizontal layers. Silver rings are not as common as other forms of jewelry. The rings available are usually large and feature carved images of birds, butterflies and flowers. Rectangular and circular patches are often made by the Miao branch near the Qinghui River and include pictures of lions, tigers, phoenixes, pheasants, dragons and butterflies. Beautifully made butterfly shaped bells are added to the bottom of women’s gowns and wristbands to create a melodic sound when they walk.

The handmade silver jewelry of the Miao nationality is highly regarded as some of the most finely detailed and stunning metal works in China. Many people from around the world come to view the breath taking art works of the Miao craftsmen and are amazed at the full sets of silver ornaments worn by the women. Unfortunately the skills involved in creating these stunning pieces are only passed down within ethnic Miao families and many of the younger generation are pursuing modern business opportunities rather than the traditional crafts. This important cultural Miao folk art needs to be protected and preserved as it is in danger of extinction.