Cockscomb-shaped Blue Cloth Hat Decorated with Silver Beads

This is a traditional hat for Yi women. The hat, shaped like a rooster's comb, is made of blue cloth decorated with silver balls. Cockscomb-shaped hats like this one were popular in Yuanjiang, Honghe, Yuxi, Chuxiong County in Yunnan province. The design symbolizes happiness for the Yi girls and that they will be protected by the spirit of the rooster. This comes from a legend that evil spirits are afraid of the crowing of a rooster. The silver balls represent the stars and the moon, symbolizing light and happiness.