Apron
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-aprons
Culture
Miao
Date20th Century
Made AtGuizhou Province, China, Asia
MediumCotton, silk, feather, Job's tears and paper
Dimensions47 × 36 in. (119.4 × 91.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2019.23.51
DescriptionThis apron panel is part of the festival attire and the Hundred Bird costume. The embroidered designs on this piece seem to represent a stylized centipede. The centipede is a frequently used motif in Miao embroidery. It is often used in representations of hybrid creatures such as the centipede dragon.Many hundred bird costumes feature bird motifs, geometric patterns, flowers, and butterflies designs which typically represent some of the legendary ancestors of the Miao people. As many Miao embroideries are reused and sewn on different textiles, it is possible that this piece was at one time an upper garment for festival wear.On View
Not on view
