ASEAP

Ta-Oi vietnam

“Supernatural plays important role Ta Oi people’s life. Aseap symbolizes the deity that wards off evil spirits”

Supernatural symbols includes 4 images depicting the gods that exist permanently in the spiritual world of the Ta Oi community: Vavak (butterfly), which symbolizes ancestral soul, Aseap (bat) as the symbol of guardian that wards off evil spirits, Adang (spider) as the Guardian god of disease, and Chidoang avang (swallow’s tail) as the Spring god. Other than woven technique, this motifs are manifested through needle beadswork technique

NOTE: All contents (text and images)  are protected by Vietnam cultural property law. This documentation is intended for educational purposes and to support the preservation of Southeast Asian textile heritage. Any use of published materials is permitted only with attribution to this website as the original source.

Eight Pointed stars

hmong vietnam

“Profound spiritual fence, safeguarding against any malevolent spirits that may seek to intrude.”

Surrounded by the captivating presence of eight pointed stars as the symbol of fences, this pattern commonly used in textile decoration of the Hmong to safeguard against any malevolent spirits that may seek to intrude. As its name implies, this piece represents the need for safety and security within our community, especially in the mountainous regions that have long been plagued by dangerous creatures, diseases, and wars. This motif showcases carefully constructed fences made mostly of horizontal lines in various shades of blue, blending gracefully from light sky to deep navy. These lines interweave with larger white sections, resembling the eyes within a network of protective barriers. Just like unwavering Hmong community strength, these lines, layers, and sections symbolize the strong and dense fences required to ensure the collective well-being. 

NOTE: All contents (text and images)  are protected by Vietnam cultural property law. This documentation is intended for educational purposes and to support the preservation of Southeast Asian textile heritage. Any use of published materials is permitted only with attribution to this website as the original source.

diamond and a cross stitch appliqué

hmong vietnam

A profound bond with the Divine, beckoning the gods of abundance and happiness to shower their blessings, warding off malevolent spirits.

Hmong people believe that beautiful patterns, such as this diamond pattern, will help them maintain a close connection to the Deity, invite in the gods of wealth and joy to bestow blessings onto their families while fighting against evil spirits. The cross added in between of diamonds symbolized the protection from evil spirit and the cross-shaped diamond symbolized xwm kab or house and ancestral spirit altar, which communicates protection from ancestral spirits to descendants of the family and the lineage. Each pattern, and each part of one pattern, is believed to fulfil multiple wishes at once. A diamond shape with zigzag lines separating four triangles signify houses of Hmong people that represents the cohesiveness of Hmong society and the harmonious relationship between families in a village. Zigzag motifs with flower embroideries, represent path of happiness and elders’ good wishes to young girls for her life’s journey for bright and future growth and full of happiness.

NOTE: All contents (text and images)  are protected by Vietnam cultural property law. This documentation is intended for educational purposes and to support the preservation of Southeast Asian textile heritage. Any use of published materials is permitted only with attribution to this website as the original source.

kanooi

ta-oi vietnam

“Symbols of labour and labour products. The role of women as the breadwinners and pillars of Tà Ôi society.”

These symbols represent the labor life of the Tà Ôi, reflecting their agricultural livelihood. They include images of Kanooi (the nest) for raising livestock, Apoat (fork) for planting, Apoóh tiho (trap), Aram (catcher), Anoók (fish scooper), Mbeen (net) for hunting, and Karta (staircase) for storing and drying foods. The images also showcase the diversity of cultivated crops like Shrimp a-um (corn), Shrimp (cassava), Shrimp aro (rice), and Kallong atuang (beans). Additionally, patterns represent forest, mountain, river, and stream products such as Aban (bamboo shoots), Pir Arui (azalea flowers), and Kartoonh (red vegetables). There is one image depicting Klikloóh (women pounding rice), symbolizing the role of women as the breadwinners and pillars of Tà Ôi society. The colors used are black, red, and white, with stylized triangular, diamond, and rhombus shapes arranged symmetrically.

NOTE: All contents (text and images)  are protected by Vietnam cultural property law. This documentation is intended for educational purposes and to support the preservation of Southeast Asian textile heritage. Any use of published materials is permitted only with attribution to this website as the original source.