Naxi traditional clothing is one of the most recognizable in China due to the distinctive sheepskin cape with seven circular embroidered ornaments that women wear, representing the moon and stars. The cape, called xingyue bajian (Seven Stars Cape), is a cultural icon.
Key Features of Naxi Attire
- Seven Stars sheepskin cape with seven circular embroidered ornaments
- Long wide-sleeved robe with a belt tied at the back
- Embroidered collar and cuff bands in geometric Dongba-inspired patterns
- Blue or purple gown with a cream or white front panel
- Woven cloth headpiece with decorative beaded tassels for married women
Traditional Garments
Women wear a full-length gown in blue, purple, or black, with a contrasting front panel, over a long skirt or trousers. Over the gown, they wear the iconic sheepskin cape - a whole sheepskin draped over the shoulders with seven embroidered circles resembling stars connected by decorative bands. Men wear front-fastening jackets over white shirts with loose trousers and a cloth belt.
Headwear and Adornments
Married women wear a distinctive headdress made of black or blue fabric shaped like a pagoda or coil, decorated with silver beads and red tassels at the sides. Unmarried women wear simpler headbands or weave colorful threads into their hair. Men wear white or blue head wraps.
Embroidery and Decorative Arts
Naxi embroidery features patterns inspired by the ancient Dongba pictographic script - including stylized birds, flowers, clouds, and geometric symbols - on collars, cuffs, and the edges of the cape.
The seven embroidered stars on the Naxi cape are said to represent the Pleiades constellation, guiding the wearer through darkness, while the two larger discs symbolize the moon and sun watching over the people.
Color Symbolism
Dark blue, purple, black, and brown for main garments. The sheepskin cape is natural tan and white. Embroidery uses bright red, yellow, green, and white. Silver and coral for jewelry.
Festival Attire
During the Sanduo Festival (Naxi New Year) and the Torch Festival, women wear their finest seven-star capes with the most elaborate embroidery and full silver jewelry sets.
Modern Influence and Preservation
The Naxi seven-star cape has become a symbol of Lijiang and is frequently worn by performers and tourism workers. Naxi Dongba patterns appear in contemporary textile design worldwide.
Did You Know?
The Naxi are the only ethnic group in the world that still uses the Dongba pictographic script, the worlds last living hieroglyphic writing system - their embroidery often incorporates these ancient symbols.