Yi Girl’s Phoenix Crown

China

Mid-20th century

Cotton, silver, felt, stones, enamel

Designed to magically safeguard a child’s well-being, this hat would be worn by a girl from the Yi minority in Yunnan province. It is embellished with silver pieces and other materials that serve as talismans, offering magical protection and good luck. The auspicious deities on the front of the hat are intended to bring prosperity and long life. The reflective quality of the silver offers additional protection by warding off evil spirits. The shape of the hat alludes to the phoenix, a mythological bird that in China is associated with balance and harmony.