Stitching the Fabric of Hmong lives: The value of Studying Paj Ntaub and story cloth in multicultural education
- Author(s):
- Buley-meissner, Mary Louise
- Format:
- Book section
- Publisher:
- Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2012.
- Language:
- English
- Abstract:
- The artistry of Hmong women across generations is evident in two major chapters of cultural creativity inseparable from Hmong history and heritage: first, traditional sewing in Laos to reinforce the identity and values of family and clan; and second, story cloth production in refugee camps to bring Hmong lives to the atention of the outside world. Many studies of Hmong culture have concluded that traditional forms of cultural creativity are being lost because they are unappreciated by younger generations. However, this chapter proposes that studying paj ntaub and story cloth potentially can become a transformative educational experience for Hmong American college students, opening their eyes, minds, and hearts to the continuing significance of their cultural heritage. Affirming clan membership and ethnic identity, traditional paj ntaub designs symbolize the value of home, family, and strength gained from unity. Requiring many years of practice to refine, the paterns are as intricate as any to be found in sewing around the world. The creation of story cloths after the Vietnam War signals a major change in the purpose of sewing. Each unsigned cloth can be read as a narrative of Hmong history, often extending from Chinese origins through village life and war in Laos to resetlement in the United States. Tragic in theme yet beautiful in execution, story cloths gain even more significance as part of a worldwide indige nous movement to tell the truth of history through art. Carefully considering the historical, social, and cultural context of how women have learned to sew, students come to recognize that the creativity of women across generations demonstrates their remarkable achievement in affirming bonds of family and clan; marking rites of passage from childhood to adulthood; witnessing to the world what Hmong people have suffered; and testifying to their endurance. Moreover, paj ntaub and story cloth can be read as forms of narrative art emerging from both individual and collective identity. © 2012 by the Minnesota Historical Society. All rights reserved.
- ISBN:
- 9780873518482 (ISBN)
- Identifier:
- HmongStudies0316