Ma Liming is an inheritor of Miao silver jewelry forging technique at a training base of Debang Village, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.
The unique Miao silver jewelry forging technique has been passed down for a century. Debang Village has a long history of silver jewelry processing and production. Since the Qing Dynasty, craftsmen have processed silver ornaments for the Miao people.
In 2016, Ma Liming registered the national trademark “Debang Village Silver Jewelry” and established the China Debang Village Silver Jewelry Training Base, showcasing and selling the silver jewelry produced in the village.
The training base, located in Fenghuang Ancient Town, has forged a dazzling array of silver products, from ancient silver earrings to exquisite bracelets. Each piece of silver jewelry has been carefully made, showcasing the unique charm of this craft.
The forging technique of Miao silver jewelry includes design, smelting, hammering, carving, inlaying and other processes. Ma Liming melts the silver material into a desired shape, and then hammers it to a required thickness according to the design draft. Various exquisite patterns are made on silver jewelry through techniques such as carving and welding. With the skillful operation of Ma Liming, a beautiful bracelet is made.
This traditional technique embodies the Miao people’s belief and worship of silverware. They believe that silverware can help ward off evil and bring peace. Therefore, silver jewelry holds an important position in the Miao culture.
