Hmong embroidered garden of animals, vibrant, pillow top?, stitcher unknown
PA NDAU of the Hmong brochure (history of people and art)
Approximately 11" square on brown cotton fabric
From the brochure -
"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.
This piece is hand-stitched by an unknown embroiderer.
It is beautifully stitched showing a lot of imagination and artistry. See photos.
Even if you are not planning to bid on this, take some time to admire the embroiderer's work.
This piece is unframed.
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.
There are so many animals and trees and plants that I cannot identify them all.
But I can see the following: toucans, parrots, peacocks, monkeys, tiger, deer, water buffalo, turtle, squirrels?, bird with nest and babies in tree, elephants, rabbit, ducks, wild boar, bears?.
Also, 4 trees with flowers and fruit, a pond with waterlilies, the sun, some mountains.
It's really a feast for the eyes. Totally unique and full of things to see.
Proceeds to the Needlework Guild of Minnesota, needleworkguildmn.org.
Please look at my other needlepoint listings.
New listings are usually posted Thursday evenings.
On Apr-07-24 at 16:32:38 PDT, seller added the following information:Response to a question from a potential buyer -
It's possible that this is a Story Cloth but most story cloths I have seen have a path through them to follow a story.
This piece seems to be a collection of animals and birds with no discernible story unless it was just about the story of animals and plants in the environment.