Miao Baby Carrier with Butterfly Motif

A red-stitched panel with dark sleeves stretching out and a striped tongue below.

This baby carrier with butterfly motif is Miao (Hmong), from Guizhou Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. It is applique cotton & silk. Miao is a general term for several ethnic groups of southwest China, including the Hmong, Shui, Yi and Ge Jia, who are famous for their costumes and especially their baby carriers. The center is a block of fine red embroidery with small pale accents. A lower section runs in horizontal red stripes between dark edges. The side pieces are deep brown-black and plain, with a hint of white lining. It is 132 inches wide and 34 long.

Red where it counts and dark everywhere else.