Li Xingxiu is from the Qiang ethnic group in Sichuan Province. They were severely battered during the devastating earthquake in May of 2008. She says as long as she and her fellow artisans are alive, they will not let this art die.
Li said, "There are fewer and fewer young people who can make our traditional costumes. But all the elderly people who are over 70 years old can hand make these costumes. Thanks to the preferential policies and such platforms, we can preserve and hand down this art to the next generation. This is our best chance to introduce our traditional Qiang culture and let more people know about us."
Li says the Qiang ethnic group has existed for three thousand years and their costumes show a wide range of symbols. Many are drawn from daily life but with hidden meanings. The Qiang costume can be easily discerned by its unique pattern of auspicious cloud.
The raising of silkworms, extracting the silk, weaving the yarn into cloths and then the dyeing and embroidery work, each process is a testament a woman's wisdom and hard work.
The free exhibition will run at the Cultural Palace for Nationalities in downtown Beijing until this Saturday. Ethnic fashion shows will also take place everyday during the exhibition.
Editor: Feng Hui
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