Hmong History Textiles
Alejandra Verduzco
This weeks reading is an article written by Ava McCall, explains how Hmong Culture and the history behind them is shown through different unique textiles, each made to tell a story or a specific significance to there culture and is made from Hmong Women. Often these textiles represent the hardship and struggle such as the refugees in Thailand or escaping from Laos due to oppression. The textiles always them to express themselves and their identity, just as fashion should be about. They used fashion as a way to express their story and spread their history, not being afraid of who they are or where they come from. The textile that is being used is called the "paj ntaub." The articles describes this form of textiles as complex because it involves cross stitch, batik, and embroidery. Men contribute to this creation as well by making the designs and stories. It's traditional expressions like these that make a culture stand out, it also allows for other people not of that culture to figure out the meaning behind each cloth allowing them to build deeper connections creating a united world. Each culture has its own self-expression and self-identity and background history that comes along with what they wear, others not from that culture might not understand what each clothing item means but yet each culture is similar just different style and meaning. Why can't we learn how to appreciate other cultures instead of getting offended by everything? When will the world be in peace instead of creating conflict through cultural appropriation? More cultural appreciation and less appropriation, is it even possible?
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