Flower Cloth : Language and Material Culture of Hmong Embroidery

Abstract

The research proposes to study the symbols and motifs of traditional Hmong textiles, known as paj ntaub (pronounced pa’dau). Historically, making paj ntaub has been a way for Hmong women to pass cultural knowledge to their daughters. In the absence of a written Hmong language, the activity of making paj ntaub carries increased importance with regard to communicating and preserving cultural memory. Through semi-structured interviews with members of the Hmong community, participant observation, and archival research, this project explores how meaning is expressed in these intricate textile designs.