Object Record
Images
Metadata
Artist |
Unknown |
Nationality or Tribal Affiliation |
Hmong |
Title |
Flower Cloth |
Type of Object |
Needlework |
Date |
ca. late 1980s-early 1990s |
Medium |
Cotton fabric, cotton and synthetic thread |
Dimensions |
H-17.8 W-17.5 cm |
Collection |
Missoula Art Museum Collection |
How acquired |
Gift of Susan Lindbergh Miller in honor of Montana's Hmong Community |
Object ID |
2011.10.112 |
Statement about this object |
This small cloth was made for to embellish a coin purse. Several motifs are included. The spiraling snail design indicates the Sam Neua tradition or a maker from that region. Traditionally, the snail pattern symbolizes family, with conjoined snails, as seen here, suggesting fecundity or fertility. At the center is a house motif, a traditional symbol of unity. Delicate white and blue embroidery over the red border may be a fence design, a sign of safety and security. |
Subjects |
Patterns (Design elements) Snails |