Yao women’s white trousers have been worn for thousands of years. Why did they suddenly change their habits?

As one of the only two ethnic groups in China that has directly entered modern society from primitive society, the Baiku Yao people are recognized by UNESCO as the ethnic group with the most complete preservation of national culture. They mainly live in Bawu and Lihu Yao Townships in Nandan County, Guangxi and Yaoshan Township, Chaoyang District, Libo County, Guizhou Province. They are a branch of the Yao ethnic group and call themselves "Bunuo" because the men wear knee-length white pants. Also known as "Bai Ku Yao". The Baiku Yao people are honest, simple, hard-working and brave, and have attracted much attention from the world with their unique wedding customs, funerals, costumes and other national cultural customs. I spent two years tracking, recording and photographing this collection of photos of the Yao people in white pants.

The costumes of Bai Ku Yao have attracted much attention for a long time. Baiku Yao women's summer clothing consists of two pieces of cloth, one in front and one in the back, casually draped over the shoulders, with almost no connection or sewing in the middle. The outside world calls this "two pieces of Yao". People are surprised by such a bold tailoring style, but they do not know that such clothing is not a display of lust, but a supreme worship of motherhood and reproduction. Such "nudity" reflects the simple soul and character of the Yao people who are unconventional and close to nature.

The costumes of the Yao people record the history of the Yao people and the memory of their ancestors. The embroidered patterns include flowers, birds, fish and insects, as well as the seal patterns of the Yao king. The red seal on the white trousers of the Yao men in white trousers records a tragic story. According to the records of "China White Ku Yao": A long time ago, Chieftain Mo of the Zhuang ethnic group used a trick to defraud the Yao King's seal and invaded the Yao District. The Yao King who was injured in the battle was defeated and retreated. When he climbed the mountain, he supported his knees with his hands on his trouser legs. Ten bloody fingerprints were left on his body, and before his death, he drew a pattern of King Yao's seal on his clothes. In order to commemorate the Yao King, the descendants of the Yao people embroidered ten red stripes on the knees of their trousers and the Yao King's seal pattern on the back of their clothes.

If you are curious about this set of pictures and stories exploring the Baiku Yao people, you can come to Nandanli Lake in Guangxi to appreciate the ancient primitive culture of the Baiku Yao people. The Baiku Yao people are a warm and hospitable nation. Remember not to drink with the Baiku Yao brothers, otherwise they will not stop until you are drunk...