Yunnan

Yunnan is a province in southwest China, home to many peoples including Dai, Dulong, Lisu and Miao communities. Its body decoration and clothing reflect connections with Myanmar, Laos and other neighbouring regions.

Dai men historically wore tattoos of animals, flowers, writing and geometric forms. Some designs were associated with courage or protection; others reflected Buddhist beliefs. They belonged to particular communities rather than to everyone in Yunnan.

Dulong, also called Drung, women had a different tradition. Girls could try small tattoos on one another before an older woman completed the facial markings. The process was linked with growing up, marriage and relationships between women.

Weaving, embroidery and jewellery added other strong visual styles. The portraits show how differently people might dress within the same province. A facial tattoo, a bright garment or a carefully worked ornament could each make a person's background visible.