Hmong Story Cloth/Flower Cloth

Story Cloth, blue cloth with brown, white blue reverse applique border with mountain motif. Central panel is embroidered all over with scenes associated with Hmong New Year. Eight pairs of men and women play Pov Pob (ball toss) while watched by a male elder and a female elder, each holding a child in a baby carrier. Umbrellas are symbolically connected to the bride. The striped ribbon on the women’s hats playing pov pob are indicative of their unmarried status. An adornment that changed over time as married women adopted it as well. Two men play the qeej, a Hmong wind instrument. Cockfighting and water buffaloes fighting (held at New Years).