Photo Archive: Weaving Tujia brocade

The Tujia have always been famous for their patterned brocade, which used to feature regularly in tribute payments to the imperial court in past centuries. Many women produced such brocade on small looms in their homes to give their families some cash income. Today, factory-produced brocade-style souvenirs are available everywhere, but there are only two places in Longshan County where brocade is still hand-woven in traditional patterns: Miao'ertan Township, and the county seat itself, where this photo was taken. See next photo for a sample of brocade.