This Story Cloth is a small depiction of the Secret War in Laos. It shows helicopters and airplanes attacking Hmong people, accompanied by communist soldiers, which forces Hmong to flee their homes with only the essentials for survival. Notably, Hmong are always shown moving forward and never looking back.
After a long journey and safely crossing the Mekong River, Hmong arrive in a Thai refugee camp.
The only way to reach safety in the Thai refugee camps and escape the communist soldiers was by crossing the Mekong River. This Story Cloth emphasizes the journey across the Mekong, which runs from one side to the other of the scene.
While the story shows many Hmong fleeing Laos and crossing the Mekong, only a few families are depicted on the other side of the river, safe in the refugee camp. In this case, what is not embroidered is just as significant as what is. Many Hmong lost their lives crossing the river, either by drowning or being shot by soldiers.
Stitched and embroidered by an unknown Hmong artist.
Collection of the La Crosse County Historical Society, Gift of Sheila Kahlert, 2024.010.03.
