Donated by: Barbara Cloud-Weisman
 
A skill once passed on from mothers to daughters. When the Hmong were still concentrated in China, they were forbidden to use their original written language, which was comprised of picture symbols. So, the women started sewing the symbols into their skirts to create messages, disguising them as patterns rich in meaning and symbolism. The HOPE of being heard, recognized and being able to live the life you imagine.