The hundred-bird coat: a cultural treasure of Guizhou

Miao women perform in ceremonial hundred-bird coats. [Photo/Converged Media Center of Danzhai County] 

Leishan county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, Guizhou province, boasts a unique handcraft called Miao embroidery. It is known as the "Miao epic worn on the body". Made using the techniques of this handcraft, the unique and mysterious hundred-bird coat carries the rich history and culture of the Miao ethnic group.

The coat is a distinctive attire of a branch of Miao and one of the ceremonial attires in Miao traditional clothing. The coat is embroidered with various bird patterns, such as fanciful "bird dragons", and adorned with white feathers.

Luo Siyang contributed to this story.

Miao women perform in ceremonial hundred-bird coats. [Photo/Converged Media Center of Danzhai County]

Villagers embroider for the hundred-bird coat. [Photo/Converged Media Center of Danzhai County]

Miao women perform in ceremonial hundred-bird coats. [Photo/Converged Media Center of Danzhai County]

Miao women perform in ceremonial hundred-bird coats. [Photo/Converged Media Center of Danzhai County]

Villagers embroider for the hundred-bird coat. [Photo/Converged Media Center of Danzhai County]

Villagers embroider for the hundred-bird coat. [Photo/Converged Media Center of Danzhai County]