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The Yao live in mountain communities scattered
over southern China. They still farm, hunt
and raise cattle, but most still live in poverty.
Yao women learn the art of embroidery at six
or seven. Their clothing is decorated with embroidery
using blue, black or white cloth and silk thread.
Embroidered images include symbols of animals,
plants and heavenly bodies.
In order to enter manhood, Yao boys must endure
a series of trials. Some of these trials include
jumping onto a mattress from a high platform,
walking on hot coals, climbing a ladder of knifes
and retrieving objects out of hot oil. When he
has completed these trials, the priest will
pronounce the boy a man, and the boy replaces
his hat with a turban. At this point, he can
marry and begin a family.
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