Embroidered Shoes of the Buyi Ethnic Group

Embroidered Shoes of the Buyi Ethnic Group

　　The majority of the Buyi ethnic group resides in Guizhou Province, with a smaller population also found in Yunnan, particularly in Luodian and Wangmo regions of Guizhou. In Guizhou, the embroidered shoes feature a slender, upward-curving toe. In Yunnan, the shoes typically have an upturned nose and are adorned with floral embroidery across the upper, commonly known as "cat-nose flower shoes," or referred to as "Hailanga" in the Buyi language. Nowadays, these fully embroidered shoes are gradually being replaced by designs with partial embroidery or small floral patterns at the toe.

　　Soft-soled embroidered shoes worn by Buyi girls in Guizhou Province. The soles are made of soft fabric and embroidered with red patterns. The uppers are red, with the left shoe’s upper in satin and the right in cloth. Both uppers are embroidered with wind-fire wheels, and the front features floral designs. The vibrant colors and delicate patterns bring the designs to life, showcasing the exquisite needlework of Buyi women. The overall color scheme and embroidery of the shoes cater to girls' love of beauty, making them highly popular.