Glossary

 Paj Ntaub / Story Cloth Motifs

1. Elephant’s Foot (Ko taw ntxhw)
   
   • Represents family, and the importance of community in Hmong culture.

2. Mountain (Rooj)
   
   • Symbolizes stability, permanence, connection to homeland, and strength.

3. Ladder (Tus ntaiv)
   
   • Similar in look, and related to the the House motif, it’s associated with young women’s journey of maturity.
4. House (Lub tsev)
   
   • Similar in look, and related to the Ladder motif, it emphasizes the importance of protection, family values, and protection.

4. Ram’s Horn (Kub yaj)
   
   • Denotes strength, resilience, bravery and protection.

5. Clouds (tauv huab)
   • While not explicitly a Hmong motif, it appears on Chinese plate ware frequently found in Hmong immigrant households. Clouds are considered auspicious, and lucky, bringing fortune, and luck.

Sources:

1. Hmong Motifs & Symbols
2. Paj Ntaub: The History of Hmong Embroidery
3. The Hidden Language of Hmong Textiles: Stories Woven by Hand