Hmong Large Handbag - Circular Gold Design

The talented Hmong people are known for their embroidery and this large handbag is an excellent example. The intricate gold circular designs make this handbag incredibly impressive. Simply beautiful! Measures 19" x 12" x 5" with two braided 20" handles with a 10" drop.

The word Hmong means "Human Being" or "Free People" in the Hmong language.  Hmong history is complex. They are reported to originate from Siberia and their emergence dates back thousands of years. Over the centuries they migrated south so that today they are dispersed throughout the highlands of southern China and northern Southeast Asia, including in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. There they live primarily as self-sufficient farmers and gatherers. The Hmong greatly respect their elders and ancestors. Traditional gender roles are common. Large extended families live together. They tell each other ancient stories and poetry. Women create beautiful clothing and quilts and every square is handmade by a Hmong hill tribe woman mainly living in the remote hills of northern Thailand and Laos using the reverse applique quilting method. The designs are traditional symbols for love, longevity, and life. In the majority of cases, the artisans' incomes are based mainly on agriculture. Income from handicrafts normally provides supplementary income for the artisans and their families.

There are 40 full-time artisans we work with in Thailand.  Twenty-five live in the highlands in northern Thailand and they make our collection of traditional Hmong purses and pillows.  In Chiang Mai, we have a workshop where 15 artisans work.  Prani is the Hmong workshop leader who sources fabrics and embellishments for purses. Each artisan is skilled in a specific handicraft, jewelry, embroidery, sewing, etc. These women are the main bread winners in their families and because of the income they earn from their handicraft work, they no longer work in the highlands working in agricultural jobs.