INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
Photo 1 : Typical of most ethnic minorities , most of the Miao villages are located in a mountainous region away from the township .
Photo 4 : A typical diaojiaolou or stilt house with part of the building extended over the lower slope to gain space instead of constructing an expensive retaining wall .
Photo 2 : Miao houses are built on stilts on hill slopes . Materials used are mainly local fir timber and clay or timber shingle roofs with masonry foundations .
Photo 5 : Another typical Miao house construction nestled on a slope .
Photo 3 : Basha Miao villagers are the only people in China permitted to carry guns . Notice the pouches worn by them to contain gunpowder and sickle . No bullets are used in the guns ; instead , gunpowder is used to create sounds and smoke to entertain tourists .
Photo 6 : A Miao double-storey house with local fir wood and clay tiles . Notice the ventilation opening at the roof gable .
74 VOL 99 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024