Miao Necklaces

The Miao Necklaces: History, Magic, and Significance

A Silver Legacy

Among China’s many ethnic minority groups, the Miao people, primarily residing in Guizhou, Yunnan, and Sichuan, are famed for their elaborate silver jewelry. At the heart of this tradition is the Miao necklace: a gleaming, crescent-shaped masterpiece often so large and intricate that it seems as much a work of sculpture as adornment.

The roots of Miao silver craftsmanship stretch back over 400 years, though oral traditions suggest it may be far older. Because the Miao historically lacked a written language, their stories, myths, and family histories were preserved not only in song and dance but also in the patterns etched into silver jewelry. The necklace thus became a wearable archive of the community’s identity.

Symbolism Woven in Silver

Miao necklaces are rarely plain; they overflow with imagery. Dragons, phoenixes, butterflies, fish, flowers, and geometric swirls adorn their surfaces. Each motif carries meaning:

Dragons & Phoenixes: Power, harmony, and cosmic balance.
Butterflies: Fertility and transformation.
Fish: Prosperity and abundance.
Flowers & Vines: The continuity of life and lineage.

These designs are not chosen for beauty alone; they form a visual prayer for blessings, health, and fortune.

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, my sunset sky.

— Rabindranath Tagore

Breathe the world.

I’ve got a Fujifilm X100s. It’s easily the best camera I’ve ever owned. I take care of it as best as I can, but I don’t let taking care of it impact the photography. Let me elaborate on that a bit better. You’ll get better at each section of what we talked about slowly. And while you do, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it all is and how the habit forms. The best way to get better at photography is start by taking your camera everywhere. If you leave your house, your camera leaves with you. The only exception is if you’re planning for a weekend bender — then probably leave it at home. Other than that, always have it slung over your shoulder. It would probably help to get an extra battery to carry in your pocket. I’ve got three batteries. One in my camera, one in my pocket, one in the charger. When it dies, swap them all.

For me, the most important part of improving at photography has been sharing it. Sign up for an Exposure account, or post regularly to Tumblr, or both. Tell people you’re trying to get better at photography. Talk about it. When you talk about it, other people get excited about it. They’ll come on photo walks with you. They’ll pose for portraits. They’ll buy your prints, zines, whatever.

Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.

— Christopher Morley

Enjoy the morning.

The best way to get better at photography is start by taking your camera everywhere. If you leave your house, your camera leaves with you. The only exception is if you’re planning for a weekend bender — then probably leave it at home. Other than that, always have it slung over your shoulder. It would probably help to get an extra battery to carry in your pocket. I’ve got three batteries. One in my camera, one in my pocket, one in the charger. When it dies, swap them all.

It’s easily the best camera I’ve ever owned. I take care of it as best as I can, but I don’t let taking care of it impact the photography. You’ll get better at each section of what we talked about slowly. And while you do, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it all is and how the habit forms.