Yi Ethnic Group's Costumes: A Timeless Epic Woven in Threads

Amidst the majestic mountains of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou,China, the descendants of the Yi ethnic group delicately etch a living, flowing civilization with every stitch of their needles. Yi ethnic group's costumes transcend their utilitarian function of covering the body and providing warmth; they are a venerable epic, where intricate patterns serve as ancient glyphs and vivid colors compose a harmonious rhythm.

The Yi people hold a deep - seated reverence for black, red, and yellow. These three hues interweave to encapsulate the solemn grandeur of the wilderness, the searing warmth of the hearth, and the resplendent glow of a bountiful harvest. In the rich tapestry of costume patterns, the sinuous mountain motifs eloquently narrate the arduous migratory journey of the ethnic group. The glinting flint patterns are a testament to the ingenuity of their ancestors, while the blooming silk - cotton flower patterns are a paean of praise to the wonders of nature. Each meticulous stitch of embroidery is a painstaking imitation of the delicate beauty of mountains, rivers, plants, and trees. Every piece of silver adornment sparkles with the celestial radiance of the sun, moon, and stars.

The men's "Chaerwa" cape exudes a heroic aura, reminiscent of the might of towering peaks. The silver - buttoned waistband cinches, accentuating their valorous spirit. The women's pleated skirts cascade in layers, mirroring the artistry of terraced fields. The silver - studded headscarves tinkle softly with each graceful step. The children's tiger - head hats are imbued with protective blessings, and the embroidered waistbands of the elders are steeped in the passage of time. The costumes of diverse Yi branches are like scattered stars dotting the Yunling Mountains. The stately elegance of the Nuosu, the vibrant charm of the Sani, and the understated simplicity of the Asi converge to paint an exquisitely colorful panorama of Yi culture.

From the painstaking process of picking cotton and spinning yarn to the art of plant - based dyeing, from the intricate chiseling of silverware to the delicate art of cross - stitch embroidery, twelve traditional craftsmanship techniques have been lovingly passed down through generations, each carrying the hallowed spirit of the artisans. In the contemporary era, we artfully integrate the star - inspired patterns of Yi embroidery into modern - day tailoring, and infuse ancient silver - work totems with minimalist design concepts. Thus, the hidden treasures from the deep mountains are given new life, continuing their fabled legacy in contemporary living.

These costumes embody the profound wisdom of the mountain - dwelling people in harmonious coexistence with nature. They are the twinkling constellations whirling at the Torch Festival, and the precious life - code secrets passed down from mothers to daughters. With a profound sense of awe and respect, we carefully preserve and present this resplendent beauty. The totems that have withstood the test of millennia are now transformed into a poetic language, enabling the world to fathom the rich cultural tapestry of the Yi ethnic group.

[FUYAO1989] pays homage to the ingenuity of intangible cultural heritage, breathing new life into the timeless beauty of tradition.