Liangbatou: History and Key Facts

Liangbatou (simplified Chinese: 两把头; traditional Chinese: 两把頭) or erbatou (simplified Chinese: 二把头; traditional Chinese: 二把頭) is a hairstyle/headdress worn by Manchu women. It is a tall headdress that features two handfuls of hair, parted to each side of the head, sometimes with the addition of wire frames, extensions and ornamentation.

Liangbatou was made famous by Empress Dowager Cixi and her Manchu court ladies, becoming popular and evolving starting from the Qing dynasty through the Republican Period (1910–1940s). It was known nationally and internationally for its towering shape and ornamentation, and was influenced by the theatrical representations of non-Chinese ethnicities.

It was used to reveal a woman's social and marital status, and became symbolic of Manchu identity. It was eventually used as imperial propaganda to show support for the Qing dynasty and strengthen Manchu ties.

Source and attribution

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