Hmong

ABOUT

The Hmong are one of Laos’ most famous ethnic groups, with a large overseas diaspora, particularly in the US. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, different Hmong sub-groups have distinctive traditional clothing. Nowadays, they are worn only on special occasions.

In particular, Mong Njua women are well known for their resist-dyed (batik) skirts made with hemp and cotton. Woven using a combination backstrap and frame loom, the hemp cloth is painted with beeswax designs and dyed with indigo. The beeswax is then boiled off to reveal the pattern in white. Traditionally, this cloth is embroidered, appliqued, and pleated into a traditional knee-length skirt, a process taking up to nine months to complete. TAEC has adapted Mong natural textiles into bags, hats, and pouches.

Learn more about the Hmong in Champa Meuanglao Magazine.

Meet Maly

Maly is a proud mother, Hmong artisan, and National Games Champion. She travelled to Luang Prabang as part of TAEC’s annual artisan residency programme for handicraft development.

“I have visited Luang Prabang before for the National Games. I am a crossbow archer, and I have one gold medal, two silver medals, and one bronze. I’ve been over almost all of Laos to compete. I was heavily pregnant with my fifth child three years ago so I couldn’t compete, but I helped to train the others. My 20-year-old daughter and 22-year-old son also compete. They have both won medals too!”

Shop Hmong