Belt c. 20th century

This belt was crafted by the Short Skirt Miao people. The diamond motifs catch the eye. These are not mere decorations; they are potent symbols deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the Miao. Across cultures, the diamond, or lozenge shape, often represents the vulva and by extension, fertility and femininity. Think of the Paleolithic Venus figurines, their bodies abstracted into similar geometric forms, embodying the life-giving power of women. The persistence of such imagery speaks to a deep-seated, perhaps subconscious, reverence for the feminine principle. The Short Skirt Miao, through their meticulous craftsmanship, tap into this ancient wellspring of symbolism, creating a garment that is not just worn, but experienced as a powerful, emotive statement. It echoes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.