Photo 11 : Typical Miao granary stores that store grains on the top level with the ground floor used to store farming tools .
Photo 12 : A typical grain drying rack with wooden columns wrapped with metal sheets to prevent creatures from climbing up .
Granary store and grain drying poles
With agriculture as the mainstay of their economy and livelihood in ancient times , granary stores were important for the villagers not just for normal use but also for emergencies in times of drought or tribal conflict .
Granary stores are still used as common storage for the villages as a whole although with improved infrastructure and modern lifestyle changes , their function has been reduced to some extent .
Granary stores are now built in smaller units and spaced further apart to prevent the spread of fire . Each building consists of two levels with the top level , with better ventilation to prevent dampness and better security against theft , used for storing grains . These stores are situated away from flood and landslide-prone areas . Supporting wooden columns are wrapped with metal sheets to prevent rats , lizards or any other creatures from climbing up to the stores .
Before the harvested grains are stored , they have to be dried at drying racks built with two vertical poles attached to a few horizontal racks .
The poles are also wrapped with metal sheets to prevent creatures from climbing up and consuming the grains .
Under ancient Miao village rules , anyone caught stealing the grains will be punished with a ‘ Three 120 ’ penalty — 120 katis of meat , 120 katis of rice and 120 katis of wine to be shared by all villagers .
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