The Enhancement of Traditional Silverware for Miao Ethnic Group in Xiangxi toward Contemporary Silver Jewelry

Abstract

The article was a part of research on “The enhancement of traditional silverware for Miao ethnic group in Xiangxi toward contemporary silver jewelry.” The purposes of this paper were 1) to study the history and the evolution of silver jewelry for Miao ethnic group in Xiangxi; and 2) to investigate the symbols and symbolic meanings which have occurred in the silver jewelry. The symbolic patterns have designed and preserved the silver jewelry of Miao ethnic group. According to this research, the Miao’s history was more than 5,000 years. By means of ages, silver jewelry has played an important role. The uniqueness of silver jewelry was not only used in daily life but also as a historical record including tribal wars, migration, clan separation, family institution, cultural prosperity, and natural worship. All of them have created the artistic identity for Miao silver jewelry. In terms of various styles, there were the perfect pattern and bright liveliness. Nowadays, the traditional silver jewelry of Miao ethnic group in Xiangxi city has been facing the problem by contemporary silver jewelry and lack of successors. Therefore, it should preserve and inherit traditional silver jewelry. The researchers therefore proceeded the methodology as follows: 1) Extract the traditional genetic patterns to maintain the traditional patterns; 2) Adapt traditional patterns to design contemporary silver jewelry which was suitable for today and daily life in general people; and 3) Display works with holographic technology. It has recorded every traditional silver jewelry, and reproduction. The virtual world of Miao silver jewelry has precisely been performed. The research found that the traditional silver jewelry should be  conserved and inherited for next generation. It also performed Miao silver jewelry’s history, craftsmanship, and culture. A fusion both national and digital culture was on a new path with different period. It could empower contemporary design industry in China.