Paj Ntaub: Textile Techniques of the Hmong

Paj Ntaub: Textile Techniques of the Hmong | 1991
The Hmong, a nomadic group originating in China, migrated through the centuries into Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. During the war in Vietnam, Hmong men from Laos were used as a secret army for the United States troops. With the withdrawal of United States troops from Vietnam in the mid-seventies, the Hmong were facing genocide and were forced to migrate into refugee camps in Thailand. From these camps many Hmong families came to America.

This video was made in Providence, Rhode Island, were many Hmong families emigrated from refugee camps in Thailand.

The first section asks, "Who Are the Hmong". This is shown by maps, sections of story clothes showing recent events in Laos and Thailand, and video images of Hmong in Thailand. Local governance of the Hmong is shown which presents members of the Hmong-Lao Unity Association.

The next section asks "What is Paj Ntaub". This is answered by showing examples of Paj Ntaub and giving a general explanation.

The final section shows four different Hmong women, demonstrating detailed production of the techniques of embroidery, batik, reverse appliqué, and "Story Cloth" stitchery.

Produced, Directed and Written by: Joyce Ronald Smith
Sponsored by: The International Institute of Rhode Island
Funded by: The National Endowment for the Arts, The Rhode Island State Council for the Arts
Videographer: Joyce Smith
Narrator: See Vang-Thao
Videotape Edited by: Holly Lasagna
Script Edited by: Mary Troeger
Musicians: Koua Vang, Xong Ze Kue
Special Thanks to: Zoua Vang Lor, Artist
Send Yang Vang, Artist
Lee Khang, Artist
Chia Vue Moua, Artist
Xay Ge Kue, President Hmong-Lao Unity Association
Consultants: Moni Adams, Fran Filipek-Collignon, Tia N. Kha, Alice Marcoux, Father Bill Tanguay
Videotape and Slides of Thailand: Dr Patricia Symonds, Father Bill Tanguay