Miao women devote some of their finest skills to make clothes and accessories for their babies. Carrying cloths such as this example are made from hemp or cotton comprising two rectangular pieces of cloths joined together. Long straps are then attached at the top corners to tie the baby at the back. Batik materials are sometimes used along with appliqué pieces. Miao geometric designs include motifs that serve as protection against evil spirits. Baby carriers are made by young girls before marriage, sometimes with the help of their mothers. They also make up part of a girl's dowry.The Miao form one of the largest ethnic minority groups in China. After a long migration history, they now live primarily in southern China and comprise several ethnic groups.
