This apron is made from handspun cotton dyed dark blue with indigo and is embellished with applied motifs and silver bosses. It is also worn for weddings and other special occasions. Embroidered clothing is an essential part of the Yao woman’s cultural identity. Yao women learn to sew from a young age and the designs they produce are unique to their community. The Yao are thought to have migrated to North Thailand from central China over the last millennium. Today Yao communities can be found in many areas including southern Chinese provinces, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
