Research On The Costumes Of Gelao In Guizhou Province

The paper takes the costumes of Gelao in Guizhou province as the object of study,through the analysis of ancient books and local literature,combined with field investigation which includes visiting the local museum and the Religious Affairs Bureau that have responsibility for inheritance and protection of Gelao's costumes.What's more,it is essential to interview relevant inheritors.These methods will help to know the five aspects of characteristic,embroider techniques,cultural connotation,aesthetic characteristics and inheritance of costumes of Gelao.And the following conclusions are drawn:Under the influence of social modernization and other ethnic costumes,the shape,the pattern and the color of Gelao costumes have been changing from ancient times to the present.But the essence of their shape of costumes have been preserved.This is also one of the signs to distinguish between Gelao and other ethnic groups.In addition,there are differences of customs in different regions.And the hat of Gelao are the signs to distinguish in each region.Traditional patterns like sweet peas patterns convey the history and belidfs of Gelao,While patterns like combination of deer and sheep witness the exchanges and coexistence of Gelao with other ethnic groups.When it comes to pattern,we have to mention the embroidery tech which is the most important features of costumes of Gelao.The Gelao are good at running stitch,hollow stitch,seed stitch,couching and chain stitch that make animal and plant patterns vividly.Affected by industrialization and modernization,the color of costumes that was close to nature has gradually changed to be more gorgeous and brilliant which means the change in the aesthetics of Gelao.Moreover,the customs of Gelao reflects cultural connotation and aesthetic values.However,in the process of modernization,their traditional costumes are in the dilemma of disappearing.It is high time to inherit and develop the Gelao costumes.On the one hand,the Gelao museum is responsible for protecting the clothing and propagating the culture.On the other hand,we can see more and more fashionable products using Gelao traditional patterns and embroidery techniques on local fashion streets.However,more attention from society and scholars is needed to further excavate and promote the Gelao ethnic culture.