37. Chinese Nationalities - (Maonan Minority) -- Minorities by Descending Populations

Maonan Nationality

The Maonan share a love of festivals and colorful dress with the Zhuang, and speak a related language. They are farmers, who grow millet and buckwheat. The Maonan have a population of some 72,000 people most of whom live in Quangxi Autonomous Region. Although they have their own language, most people also speak Mandarin and Zhuang because their long co-existence with the Han and Zhuang. Their style of costume shows a very strong Zhuang influence. Men and women wear blue or green cloth jackets buttoned down the front or on the right. Women, as well as the jacket, wear a loose dress and trousers trimmed with light, or dark-colored trim along the edge of the neck, the sleeves, and front. Their long trousers are also decorated with trim and a small apron full of embroidery is worn around the waist. Even the shoes are embroidered as well. They are fond of silver neck-rings, bracelets, and other items. The Maonan are skillful craftsmen of bamboo hats, which are works of art in themselves. Maonan women are particularly fond of these hats.