Humans of China: "I've Only Cut My Hair Once"

This article comes from Humans of China (WeChat ID: humans-of-china), which aims to document and tell the stories of the many varied people of this vast country, one individual at a time. The following account comes from a lady who makes traditional Zhuang minority clothes in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Read the original post here. 

Around ten years ago I had to start studying standard Chinese as it was the only way I would be able to communicate with tourists to make money. Although my Chinese isn't great, it's good enough. I have also tried to learn some English which means I can also communicate with foreign tourists too. I can only say very simple things like numbers and "good morning." When I speak to them they are very surprised that a lady as old as me, 85, can speak a little English.

I still live quite a traditional life and I spend a lot of my time making cloth with this old wooden machine. It takes a long time to make a piece of cloth that's big enough to be turned into something that can be used or worn. I don't particularly like making cloth but its something I am used too. I've been doing it for years now; my mum taught me when I was 18. It looks complicated but once you know what to do and where all the bits go it's easy, just boring.

The hair on my head can be seen as I have given birth but around here you'll see younger girls with their hair hidden under black cloth. Our tradition is that if you haven't had children your hair can't be seen but if you have you can display a little at the front. I've only cut my hair once and that was when I was 18. I kept the hair that was cut at home in a safe place. There aren't many ladies like me left.

A couple of years ago I went to Beijing for a small trip. Lots and lots of people were interested in me, my hair, and my clothing. They all wanted to take photos and chat with me. I didn't mind as they were nice and I really liked the big city!

READ: "My Uncle Sold Me for Two Cows and a Bag of Rice"

Photos: Cameron Hack