The Mute God or Yaba 哑巴 ceremonies in Xiangyun county have evolved into an elaborate Gesamtkunstwerk with dance, body ornamentation, sculpture and painting involving the entire Yi village. Compared to a few years ago, the imagery has taken on a much more sexualized character, maybe reflecting a need to create ever more outlandish 'traditional' festivals.
This set of pictures was taken near Daying 大营, Xiangyun County 祥云. The next Yaba Festival 哑巴节 is on Wed, 5. February 2025.
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