E1497: Hmong Embroidery Chain-Stitch Snail Motif

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1497

Classification Category:

8:Communication Artifacts ➞ Art/Folk Art

Materials:

fabric ➔ cloth ➔ cotton
fabric ➔ cloth ➔ cotton ➔ print
fabric ➔ thread ➔ embroidery thread
fabric ➔ cloth ➔ cotton

Dimensions:

14.25 cm L
9cm W

Provenance of Object:

This piece could be from the pocket on an apron or the back sashing on traditional Hmong clothing. It would then been re-purposed. It could also be that the piece is for practice and was used just to teach someone how to stitch like this.

Ethnic Group:

Asian ➞ Hmong

Production Date:

late 1970

Source Locality:

not sure on production location; acquired in Decorah, IA

Acquisition Date:

1980s

Description:

This embroidery is handmade from the early 1980s. It features a snail motif that represents family in Hmong culture. Its use of bright colors draws the eye to it. The stitching is called the chain stitch which is very common in Hmong folk art. The backing and small size of the piece tell us that most likely this was a sample or practice block and that the fabric was chosen because it was what they had available.

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