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Ceremonial Skirt (20th Century Cotton and synthetic materials H. 25 inches, W. 35 in. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Hartwell 82.138 MIA |
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When I viewed the Hmong Ceremonial Skirt on the artsnet website I was
instantly reminded of the traditional embroidery techniques used in many
Japanese textiles. The combinations of intricate stitch designs,
contrasting colors, and the three-block pattern that was used in the skirt
is very similar to designs seen frequently on textiles made in Japan. These
textiles are special because they are still made by entirely by hand in
mainly small villages throughout Japan. Due to the fact that making even a
small piece of fabric with these intricate embroidery designs is very time
consuming, and therefore costly, many times it is used as a sign of wealth
in Japan. This is very similar to how the ceremonial skirt is used as a
display of wealth for the Hmong people.
The other aspect of the Ceremonial Skirt that was interesting for me was in that the skills of making these skirts must be passed down from generation to generation; each family perhaps having their own techniques and unique style. This is also a concept seen in the art of Japanese textiles. Most often the skill is passed down by the father to his children, keeping the art of handmade textiles alive. This aspect of skirt alongside the distinctive design and techniques used on it, makes the Ceremonial Skirt a very unique work of art.
Response from Joyce
Mentor: Teri Steiger - Bemidji State University Elementary Education major.
The other aspect of the Ceremonial Skirt that was interesting for me was in that the skills of making these skirts must be passed down from generation to generation; each family perhaps having their own techniques and unique style. This is also a concept seen in the art of Japanese textiles. Most often the skill is passed down by the father to his children, keeping the art of handmade textiles alive. This aspect of skirt alongside the distinctive design and techniques used on it, makes the Ceremonial Skirt a very unique work of art.
Response from Joyce
Mentor: Teri Steiger - Bemidji State University Elementary Education major.