This large, heavy apron shaped item with straps is a Miao baby carrier. It is covered overall with a combination of highly detailed embroidery in leaf and flower designs and a repeating pattern of circles and stars.

It dates to the first half of the 20th century and possibly earlier.

It is in excellent condition and is currently pinned to a decorative green framed backing for display. It measures about 17 by 24 inches, not including the hanging straps. The framed display board measures approximately 24 by 34 inches.

The Miao are a native Chinese tribe who are famous for their beautiful hand worked fabrics and silver jewelry. They traditionally live in either Southern China or Indochina (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam ) where they are known as the Hmong.