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As the Simao weather became colder and even wetter (yesterday's max was "only" 15 degrees) the Yunnan Nationality Clothing Festival threatened to turn into a bit of a wash out. But down at Red Flag Square the Wa Nationality stand was trying its best to whip up the enthusiasm of the damp crowd with an exotic catwalk fashion show. The Wa tribes on the Burmese border used to be infamous for practising headhunting, but these days they're known for their trademark look - long, flowing black hair and silver hairbands (men and women!). The older women are fond of a smoke, using beautifully ornate silver pipes which they tuck into their headbands when not in use. See photo below.

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Note pipe and inch-wide ear studs
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The other Nationality making a last minute impression were the Miao. Although predominant in Guizhou Province, there is a sizeable Miao presence in the hillier, remoter (and poorer) parts of Yunnan. Many are Christians, their forefathers having been converted by European missionaries in the latter part of the 19th Century. The Miao are justly famous for the beautiful embroidery work on their clothing. My photographer pal Li Xiaowen has been documenting the different styles and designs of Miao clothing embroidery for the Simao City Department of Culture. He's promised to take me out on a photo-trip to a Miao village sometime soon...




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