Miao Women Drum Their Way to Fame

POPULATIONS of Miao nationality people are mainly distributed throughout Guizhou, Yunnan, Hunan, Sichuan, Hubei and Guangdong provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with a population of 7,390,000. Their many offshoots still maintain common features.Ancient Chinese books have records of Miao people who lived more than 5,000 years ago. The Miao have created a colorful traditional culture. Miao embroidery, cross-stitch work and batik are well-known. There are as many as 130 styles of Miao traditional dress. Silver adornments, which are popular among Miao women, are exquisitely made. The Miao people are accomplished singers and dancers. Love songs, sung in the antiphonal style and singing while drinking wine show off their musical talents. The lusheng, a reed-pipe, is the most typical Miao musical instrument. The Miao wood drum dance features a free-spirited and bold style.In their long history, the Miao people have developed an impressive literary tradition, handed down orally rather than in written form. In modern times Miao professional cultural workers have emerged. And Miao women, who used to spend most of their time in the kitchen, have taken up painting as a popular hobby.The Miao people have come into their own. Their lives have greatly improved. We believe they have a beautiful future ahead of them.