E1493: Hmong Pandau Reverse Applique Elephants Foot motif

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1493

Classification Category:

8:Communication Artifacts ➞ Art/Folk Art

Materials:

fabric ➔ cloth ➔ cotton
fabric ➔ thread

Dimensions:

46 cm L
45.5 cm W

Ethnic Group:

Asian ➞ Hmong

Production Date:

1970s

Use/Function:

Most likely is made for the purpose of selling or gifting. Would have been sold at a market or given to a teacher, sponsor, or new American friend.

Source Locality:

not sure on production location; acquired in Decorah, IA

Acquisition Date:

1980s

Description:

This pandau is handmade sometime between the late 1970s and early 1980s. It has thin purple bands that loop four times around the center design forming the elephants foot which symbolizes prosperity in the Hmong culture. The elephants foot motif is reoccuring in Hmong folk art and reverse applique. Also seen in this pandau is the use of decorative stitching as a border and the reverse applique on the center of the motif called steps (the green L shaped cut outs with yellow stitching inside). There are also blue and yellow stitches symbolizing seeds scattered throughout this piece of art work.

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