By Daniel Geffre, Editorial Intern, Worlds of Words

The Worlds of Words Center exhibit, Stitching Stories: Hmong Customs and Symbols as Told through Storycloths, features traditional Hmong storycloths from the Worlds of Words Mary J. Wong collection along with children’s books and hands-on activities for all ages. This exhibit highlights the oral and textile storytelling traditions of the Hmong people. Examples of storytelling through textiles from Vietnam, Panama, Peru and Turkey are often also on display with this exhibit.

“The elaborate, detailed art powerfully represents the history and culture of the Hmong people. The exhibit also includes children’s literature and activities that expand understandings of the art on display,” says Kathy Short, Worlds of Words Director.

The Hmong people are thought to be the first group to settle in the Yellow River Valley in China, though they were displaced by the Han Chinese 2000 years ago. They were displaced again after serving in the CIA’s “Secret Army” on the Laotian front of the Vietnam War. While Hmong people adapted to each new locale, they retained their customs and traditions.

The Hmong people pass along their stories through pa ndau, or “flower cloths.” At first the pa ndau were created to adorn clothing, but eventually a new form called “storycloths” emerged exclusively for decorative purposes. Pa ndau incorporates weaving, appliqué, reverse appliqué, cross stitch, chain stitch, batik and embroidery. Some storycloths were made in refugee camps and tell ancient myths. Others show what life was like in their villages before the war. They can also depict courtship games, weddings, feasting with the baci ceremony and other rituals.

WOW is free to visit and open to the public. Worlds of Words hosted a reception for Stitching Stories in February 2018 that included a presentation about Hmong traditions and storycloths.

To schedule a guided tour of Stitching Stories contact Worlds of Words by email at wow@arizona.edu or by phone at 520.621.9340.

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• Themes: Daniel Geffre
• Descriptors: WOW News