Richly Woven Traditions: Costumes of the Miao of Southwest China and Beyond
重纺富织：中国西南及苗族服饰

China is officially composed of fifty-six ethnic groups; visitors to China are often surprised by the variety and distinctiveness of their cultures. These ethnic minorities enrich and greatly vary the fabric of Chinese life through their traditions, arts, crafts, food, and lifestyles. Scattered throughout southwestern China and much of Southeast Asia are people known as the Miao and, outside of China, as the Hmong. This exhibition gathered a colorful collection of costumes, jewelry, household articles, and recent photographs to present Miao costumes in both a contemporary and historical context. Intricate embroideries, finely crafted silverwork, and unusual textures and techniques characterized the objects, which included complete costumes, jackets, hats, aprons, and necklaces.