Miao Woman's Wrap / Skirt

A fan of black pleats radiates from the waist, each one a stripe on a red field.

This woman's wrap skirt is Miao (Hmong), from Guizhou Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. It is cotton. Pleated skirts are a hallmark of many Miao communities in Guizhou, and the cut, color and trim often differ from village to village. A pale cotton waistband gives way to bright red pleats, divided by narrow black stripes. Dark borders embroidered in small white motifs frame the hem and sides, and two small decorated panels sit near the bottom. It is 44 inches wide and 37 long.

It looks as if it knows how to swing.