Hmong PA Dau

Description

The Hmong people are from Laos. It is a small country in Southeast Asia. Pa Dau or "flower cloth" continues to be produced by Hmong artists in this country. The designs and patterns used are symbolic in Hmong culture and often are derived from forms in nature. Pa Dau is used to decorate traditional Hmong clothing and are valued as works of textile art. Flowery cloth, or pan dau (say "pan-dow") is the traditional needlework of the Hmong people. The art dates back some 2,000 years. Pa Dau is a complex form of textile art. It incorporates applique, reverse applique, cross-stitching, batik and embroidery. The designs stitched into the fabric are equally complex, displaying traditional folklore, ancient myths and religious beliefs. Three or four layers of cloth may be used in each design. The artist uses very thin needles about one inch in length. Designs include geometric patterns and symbolic representations. Although Pa Dau is predominately and culturely a woman's craft, it is not unheard of for men to also acquire the skills. Some learn it as a hobby, some learn it to help the women. It encompasses embroidery and applique, often featuring geometric designs and sometimes depicting animals or other creatures. It is called flowery cloth because its finely detailed, brightly colored designs look like flowers. Some flowery cloths have geometric designs. Some use a motif, such as a heart or a snail, to build a pattern. Each design stands for something in nature...

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