The Miao, mainly living in Guizhou and Hunan, are divided into various subgroups, which manifests itself in the many different costumes. The probably most extravagant subgroup are the so called "longhorn Miao". With fantastic costumes, the women wear kind of a headgear with long water bull horns made from silver. Their costumes have silver embroideries and can weigh up to 22 kg.

In addition the women also wear heavy earrings. This is especially apparent with elder ladies, as the earlobes become deformed after decades of wearing heavy silver rings.

The Miao minority are well-known in China as being independent and rebellious. During the Qing dynasty, the Miao fought against the rulers and also during the Vietnam war, many Miao were recruited by the Americans.

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