3 items about the Hmong
1. Piece of Hmong freehand reverse appliqué, stitcher unknown
2. 12 page booklet - Hmong and Yao: Mountain Peoples of Southeast Asia
3. 3 pages of traditional patterns from the Hmong and Yao
1. Piece of Hmong reverse appliqué, stitcher unknown
This piece measures 8.5" x 8.25" and is unframed.
It has three layers of cotton fabric so it is very thin.
A maroon layer underneath is covered with a blue layer of fabric which is cut away to form the design and backed with another lighter blue fabric in the back.
There are tiny white dots of stitches and small green and orange triangles embroidered on the piece. See photos.
It would make a beautiful pillow front or apron front or framed or a wall quilt or box top or bag cover or whatever you desire.
2. 12 page booklet - Hmong and Yao: Mountain Peoples of Southeast Asia
Research and photography by Jane Hamilton-Merritt.
Lots of color photos and a history of the Hmong and Yao-Iu Mien peoples of Southeast Asia.
Photos of people wearing traditional clothing, maps, more textiles
Headings include The People, The Art, Blue Hmong, White Hmong, Yao-Iu Mien, Yellow Rain
3. 3 pages of traditional patterns from the Hmong and Yao
Page 1 - Cross stitch patterns from the White and Blue Hmong
Page 2 - Yao designs from traditional reverse embroidery - labeled playing kittens, finishing touch, Hou Kouang
Page 3 - More Yao and Hmong cross stitch designs - labeled sawteeth, tiger claw, celestial crown, star design, enough
From a brochure about the Hmong published by The St. Paul Foundation, undated
"The Hmong call their needlework "PA NDAU" - PA for flower and NDAU for cloth. The intricacy and excellence of their artistry are features that few craftspeople are able to offer in today's world.
Since 1975, Minnesota has become the new home for many Southeast Asia refugees, particularly Hmong from Laos. The Hmong were essentially mountain people, primarily farmers who used agricultural techniques and tools that were centuries old.
During the Vietnam conflict, the American CIA recruited the Hmong to fight the Communists in Laos. When Laos fell to the Communists, the Hmong, because of their cooperation with the U.S., were forced to choose between fleeing their country or being killed. Many thousands escaped to Thailand, and many thousands died in the attempt to escape.
The Hmong are a clan people and have a strongly identified ethnic group. Resettlement near relatives and other Hmong has proven essential for their well-being.
Traditionally, Hmong art was much like Native American art, appearing in their jewelry and everyday dress, on belts, headdresses, jackets, shirts, purses, hats, and baby carriers. These traditional designs have been passed on through the centuries and are rich with meaning, reflecting their histories, legends, animistic beliefs, and a respect for nature.
The three main textile art modes are batik, freehand reverse appliqué, and counted cross stitch embroidery. All involve an incredible amount of skill, time, and patience."
Note from me - much of the rest of the brochure details the large story cloth pictured in the brochure and explains the significance of all the motifs in it.
Proceeds to the Needlework Guild of Minnesota, needleworkguildmn.org.
Please look at my other needlepoint listings.
New listings are usually posted Thursday evenings.