This Story Cloth illustrates the daily activities of farming in Laos, highlighting the unique agricultural practices and seasonal cycles.
Laos experiences two distinct seasons: the wet monsoon season, or "green season," from May to October, and the dry season. The monsoon season revives the landscape after the dry months, bringing essential rain and high humidity.
Hmong people utilize traditional slash-and-burn farming techniques. This labor-intensive practice begins with clearing an entire mountainside by cutting down trees and then burning them. The ashes enrich the soil, providing vital nutrients for crops.
Key crops cultivated include rice and corn. Corn is typically harvested during the rainy season, while rice is collected in the dry season, optimizing land use and ensuring a stable food supply. In years of low rice yields, families can rely on their corn harvest, supporting their sustenance and allowing for the timely scheduling of New Year celebrations in late December.
Stitched and embroidered by an unknown Hmong artist. Collection of the La Crosse County Historical Society, Gift of Sheila Kahlert, 2024.010.02.
