A Length of Resisted Indigo Dyed Hemp: Miao Minority

contemporary
16' 14" x 12",   x 30.5 cm

This length of beautiful, drapey, tightly woven, indigo dyed hemp cloth is hand made by the Miao people of southern China.  The Miao people are extremely well-known for the beauty and ornament of their culture, from elaborate silver headdresses, mammoth cloth head coverings and, probably most especially, for their remarkably beautiful indigo dyed cloth.

This long piece of indigo dyed hemp is decorated with subtle resist dyed work--you can see the faintly drawn parallel lines and the small figured filigree decoration that has been hand applied before dyeing.

When this cloth is seen in person, there are almost-imperceptible (but quite actual) horizontal crimpings along the length of the cloth.  The reason for this is that this cloth was used in service of making an elaborately pleated, traditional skirt. 

A superbly beautiful length of hand made cloth.