Yi tribe ladies, Yunnan province, China

Not many people realize that China consists of 56 different ethnic groups, the majority being the Han people, which makes up more than 90% of the population of China. The 55 other minority groups are scattered throughout China, holding on to their unique culture, language, religion, cuisine and some even to their own writing system. 

This picture was taken near Dali, in the Yunnan province of China. These ladies are from the Yi tribe, with their brightly embroidered clothes and shoes. Most women still wear their traditional garments, even on their job carrying bricks for a construction project! Some intricate embroidery is still done by hand, for special occasions and for their children. It would be nice to spend some time with these women to learn how to live entirely off of their own hands and skills.  

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