SACRED STITCHES - HMONG EMBROIDERY

I've collected hundreds of pieces of gorgeous Hmong embroidery from all across Indochina and from just about every Hmong clan. According to history, the Hmong in China were forbidden to use their ancient Hmong script made up of picture symbols (paj ntaub). So in order to communicate women started sewing the symbols of the script into their skirts, disguising them as patterns in the garments.  This practice over time created the distinct and colourful Hmong embroidery style. Appliqué, reverse appliqué (Pan dau) and batik are used in combination with cross stitch, chain stitch, running stitch, and a form of satin stitch used to create the symbols and shapes of Hmong designs. Many of the symbols have been stylised and modified into new designs and overtime been interpreted differently by each clan, however the basic shapes of the symbols remain unchanged and are easily identified in the embroidery of all the Hmong clans throughout the region of IndoChina.  READ MORE ON HMONG EMBROIDERY