Object Record
Images
Metadata
Artist |
Unknown |
Nationality or Tribal Affiliation |
Hmong |
Title |
Legend of the Vegetables Walking to the Farmer's House |
Type of Object |
Needlework |
Date |
1977-1983 |
Medium |
Applique/Embroidery |
Dimensions |
H-82 W-83.1 cm |
Collection |
Missoula Art Museum Collection |
How acquired |
Gift of Susan Lindbergh Miller in honor of Montana's Hmong Community |
Object ID |
2011.10.11 |
Statement about this object |
Though this story cloth was purchased in Missoula in the 1980s, the square format, neutral tan and blue fabrics, and large scale of this flower cloth indicate it was made in a Thai refugee camp with the intent to sell. Story cloths were unique products of the camps. Missionaries provided blue, gray, and tan fabrics were not part of the traditional Hmong color palette. Women began sewing larger cloths in the camps, since their agrarian lifestyle was displaced and they were no longer confined to sew after farm chores were complete. Men, who received formal education, contributed to the design and writing. These cloths were exported to relatives overseas and sold to generate income for those still in the camps. Once the camps closed, the primary support system for making and selling story cloths dissolved. Furthermore, Hmong living in Laos today are expressly forbidden from documenting history via story cloths, and the work can continue only in secret. |
Subjects |
Legends Agriculture Plants Harvesting Farmers |