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Paj ntaub (pronounced "pan dau" - "flower cloth")

The Paj ntaub is pronounced as "pan dau", which means "flower cloth." This is produced by Hmong artists and it is a traditional needlecraft on a flat textile surface that uses traditional designs and patterns. Behind each design, it depicts a scene, event, or narrative from Hmong history or culture, and they serve as cultural motifs.


The story of Hmong textiles can be known through a study of traditional clothing, usually among Hmong women. The clothing of the women shows a greater degree of inter-ethnic variation within their cultures, usually expressed through the dress of the women that is best for identifying the affiliation of other Hmong. In fact, many of the women learned to make the paj ntaub at a very early age. For this reason they can draw upon their traditional knowledge.


This piece of art has significant connections to traditional Hmong culture, and embroidery such as this plays a significant role in Hmong daily life, and are often directly associated with larger cultural concerns such as religion, gender, and ethnic identity. This piece of art was made.



Traditional Hmong Embroidery ("Lub Tsev" and "Tus Ntaiv" motifs) Used traditional yarns and thread, and has very intricate knitting. Lub Tsev motif symbolizes "house", and "Tus Ntaiv" motif symbolizes "quarter rickrack/steps."

Handcrafted by Khammy Fang

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