Try It Together Tuesday: Hmong Story Cloths
May 11, 2021, Katie Sobolewski
It’s time for another “Try it Together Tuesday,” where we share new ideas on ways to interact with your Little! Check back with us every week to discover engaging ways to keep your Match connected virtually or in person. In honor of APIA Heritage Month, this week’s activity takes a look into the history of Hmong artwork and story cloths.
Hmong Story Cloths
Hmong Women in refugee camps first began to make story cloths in the 1970s because they wanted to remember and pass down what they had learned growing up in Laos and what they had witnessed during the war. Each story cloth is unique, as what the artist chooses to highlight depends on their perspective regarding what is true to the history of Hmong people.
Now that you’ve spent time learning about Hmong artwork and story clothes, spend time reflecting on the stories below and ask yourself these questions:
- Who are the different characters in the story?
- What is happening?
- Imagine using thread and needle instead of color crayons. How would that experience be different?
You can find full interpretations of these pieces at HmongEmrboidery.org
Visit the Hmong Museum for story cloth coloring pages, or using your favorite art supplies create a story cloth that tells a visual story of your own personal heritage.
Don’t forget to post (with your Little’s parent or guardian’s permission) on our Facebook or Instagram pages and use the hashtag #KeepKidsConnected to share all the fun you’re having!
