China
2024.11.12 23:05 GMT+8

The art of Miao people's silversmithing: A shining tradition

Updated 2024.11.12 23:05 GMT+8
CGTN

For centuries, the Miao people have adorned themselves with silver jewelry, carrying this tradition through five major migrations. Believed to ward off evil and attract good fortune, these ornaments are prized for their weight and size, symbols of beauty and prosperity.

Miao silver jewelry from Jianhe County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, is renowned for its intricate designs featuring animals and plants, such as dragons, tigers, insects, flowers and birds.

Crafting these exquisite pieces requires exceptional skill and patience. Each piece undergoes a rigorous process that begins with smelting silver at a high temperature of 960 degrees Celsius. Through over 30 meticulous steps, including hammering, engraving, and welding, the silver is transformed into stunning jewelry.

For more: 

Miao people's melodious magic: The enchanting 'flying songs'

Miao embroidery: A tapestry of nature and culture

(Video provided by Jianhe Convergent Media Center, edited by CGTN's Zhao Ying.)

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