Basha people belong to the Miao branch that is least affected by modern civilization. Even in the modern times, they still live very traditional lives. As an old saying goes, "men till and women weave." The local villagers' ethnic costumesthat are made and dyed (mostly in glazing deep blue) in the traditional way, tend to bring visitors back in time to hundreds of years ago, with the visitors believing they have returned to an ancient tribe.

Every article of the villagers' clothes is self-made, with almost the same design pattern, usually diamonds and lines, and color, mostly black. Some Basha people do not wear shoes, even in the winter.

A coat with buttons down the front, a pleated skirt, and leg wrappings are the usual garb for women. The coat's collar band and wristband, the skirt's lower part and the leg wrapping are usually decorated with self-made colorful brocades. Such a garment not only exhibits the slim and graceful figure of the Miao women, but also facilitates their climbing the mountains and working in the fields. Young girls often wear some silver ornaments over the chest to go with the colorful embroidery. Basha women are pure and simple with an air of wildness and health, which deeply impresses all visitors.

The men in Basha Miao Village have a special set of make-up, which has been hailed as the oldest Miao dress for males. Basha men usually wear collarless coats with buttons on the left or down the front, and baggy but short trousers. The men there are also famous for their unique hairstyle.

Like the men of the Qing Dynasty, Basha men wear their long hair in braids, which are then coiled up atop the head. This ancient hairstyle has existed in Basha for thousands of years. When they are small children, Basha boys, like the girls, have to keep their hair, and sometimes, they even wear their hair in a cone-shaped chignon (a knot of hair worn at the back of the head). Not until they have passed 16, when an adult ceremony is held for them, are they allowed to decide on their own how to wear their hair. Presently, over half of the men still choose to grow long hair, abiding by the time-honored custom.

In addition, men are often seen carrying a claymore (type of sword) at the waist, and a hunting rifle over the shoulder, which remains a common ornament for the men, though there are no longer many animals and birds to hunt.

Basha people consider themselves the most orthodox Miao group. Formerly, when the young people returned from other places, they had to change their clothes into those of their own ethnic group right outside the village. Otherwise, they were not allowed to enter the village. Where antiquated wooden spinning wheels and looms can be found here and there.

Author: Jessie

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