This panel was made by the Hmong people of Laos/Cambodia, and given to the Guild when the donor spoke at the meeting. The Hmong are an ethnic group from parts of China, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. "Story Cloths" historically evolved to document cultural heritage, daily rural routines, or significant historical events.Embroidered and applique panel. Blue border with grey and white, grey and blue inner border and a centre square of naïve embroidery in the Hmong style with brightly coloured people and animals showing traditional agricultural activities. Colours of red, pink, green, yellow and black.embroidery, laos, animal, bird, butterfly, pigs, animals

Characteristic of Miao or Hmong ethnic minority. This piece came from Vietnamese Hill Tribes. The dress front panel which they "recycle". Vibrant blue, red, bronze with white highlights dress panel. Embroidered in satin stitch. Central panel is 150 mm x 165 mm and is surrounded by narrow strips of alternating embroidered strips, black silk ribbon and woven coloured ribbon.

Intricate geometric and spiral textile patterns (paj ntaub) characteristic of Hmong and related South East Asian minority handicraft traditions.Small bag, multi-coloured with reverse appliqué design front (black on white), back and edged with orange cord and hot pink tassels. Top of back is fold over envelope type.embroidery, applique, reverse applique, bag

During periods of harsh persecution, Hmong women developed a way to record their history by weaving it directly into their clothing. Called "pajntaub" , which means "flower cloth", and it was traditionally practiced only by the women of the community. Using a variety of complex stitching techniques, they created intricate geometric patterns. These designs were not just for decoration on clothes, collars and baby carriers. At times when their own language was suppressed, these symbols served as a form of communication and cultural documentation, with history hidden in the very pleats of their skirts. This tradition took on a new powerful meaning in the late 1970's after the wars in Southeast Asia. Forced into refugee camps in Thailand, Hmong women began creating "story cloths". These were larger tapestries that documented their lives, their traditions, and their harrowing journey from their homelands to the camps. These story cloths became a way to tell the world what had happened to them . They also became a vital source of income, sometimes selling for just one dollar, which helped families survive in the camps. Hmong Archives; Library of Congress. Hill Tribe clothing panel in fuchsia pinks and royal blue, with white, green, orange highlights. Embroidered in buttonhole stitch and satin stitch filling. Worked on black even weave linen.

During periods of harsh persecution, Hmong women developed a way to record their history by weaving it directly into their clothing. Called "pajntaub" , which means "flower cloth", and it was traditionally practiced only by the women of the community. Using a variety of complex stitching techniques, they created intricate geometric patterns. These designs were not just for decoration on clothes, collars and baby carriers. At times when their own language was suppressed, these symbols served as a form of communication and cultural documentation, with history hidden in the very pleats of their skirts. This tradition took on a new powerful meaning in the late 1970's after the wars in Southeast Asia. Forced into refugee camps in Thailand, Hmong women began creating "story cloths". These were larger tapestries that documented their lives, their traditions, and their harrowing journey from their homelands to the camps. These story cloths became a way to tell the world what had happened to them . They also became a vital source of income, sometimes selling for just one dollar, which helped families survive in the camps. Hmong Archives; Library of Congress. Hill Tribe clothing panel in fuchsia pinks and royal blue, with white, green, orange highlights. Embroidered in buttonhole stitch and satin stitch filling. Worked on black even weave linen.

During periods of harsh persecution, Hmong women developed a way to record their history by weaving it directly into their clothing. Called "pajntaub" , which means "flower cloth", and it was traditionally practiced only by the women of the community. Using a variety of complex stitching techniques, they created intricate geometric patterns. These designs were not just for decoration on clothes, collars and baby carriers. At times when their own language was suppressed, these symbols served as a form of communication and cultural documentation, with history hidden in the very pleats of their skirts. This tradition took on a new powerful meaning in the late 1970's after the wars in Southeast Asia. Forced into refugee camps in Thailand, Hmong women began creating "story cloths". These were larger tapestries that documented their lives, their traditions, and their harrowing journey from their homelands to the camps. These story cloths became a way to tell the world what had happened to them . They also became a vital source of income, sometimes selling for just one dollar, which helped families survive in the camps. Hmong Archives; Library of Congress. Hill Tribe clothing panel in progress in fuchsia pinks and royal blue, with white, green, orange highlights. Embroidered in buttonhole stitch and satin stitch filling. Worked on black even weave linen.

During periods of harsh persecution, Hmong women developed a way to record their history by weaving it directly into their clothing. Called "pajntaub" , which means "flower cloth", and it was traditionally practiced only by the women of the community. Using a variety of complex stitching techniques, they created intricate geometric patterns. These designs were not just for decoration on clothes, collars and baby carriers. At times when their own language was suppressed, these symbols served as a form of communication and cultural documentation, with history hidden in the very pleats of their skirts. This tradition took on a new powerful meaning in the late 1970's after the wars in Southeast Asia. Forced into refugee camps in Thailand, Hmong women began creating "story cloths". These were larger tapestries that documented their lives, their traditions, and their harrowing journey from their homelands to the camps. These story cloths became a way to tell the world what had happened to them . They also became a vital source of income, sometimes selling for just one dollar, which helped families survive in the camps. Hmong Archives; Library of Congress. Hill Tribe clothing panel in fuchsia pinks and royal blue, with white, green, orange highlights. Embroidered in buttonhole stitch and satin stitch filling. Worked on black even weave linen.