New Traditions Will Save Our Culture
Dublin Core
Title
New Traditions Will Save Our Culture
Description
From the Artist: “This mask represents the cultural symbols of Hmong Nplooj Sev, a well-known style of Hmong clothing. What makes this style stand out is the colorful yarn balls on their hats. The black and white band on the hat is called a siv ceeb and it helps secure Hmong hats and veils.
The mask is made from a popular traditional blue floral brocade fabric. Hmong are a people of the mountain. The colors on the beads symbolize the colors of nature while some say the balls represent butterflies. This piece reflects the reality of Hmong life right now in this pandemic. Masks have become a part of our tradition because our very survival and culture depend on it. Modern day Hmong Nplooj Sev can integrate face masks as part of a contemporary cultural expression.”
The artist, Tou Fong Lee, is the owner of Outkast Alterations in Menomonee Falls, and is the first Hmong and LGBTQIA business in Wisconsin. This creation illustrates a global phenomenon through the experience of the Hmong culture. Geographic and ethnic societies embraced mask-wearing for the same fundamental purpose: to stay safe and to keep others safe. However, the motivation and encouragement varied slightly between cultural backgrounds. The Hmong culture, which has no political homeland is passed down through the art of tradition. The survival of Hmong heritage is dependent upon the survival of the Hmong people themselves. This artwork emphasizes that new traditions are needed—adapting to current circumstances to ensure that a host of deeply-rooted traditions remain strong and vibrant for future generations. Tou Fong utilizes material and design specific and unique to the Hmong culture to intertwine the significance of heritage and the preservation of it.
The mask is made from a popular traditional blue floral brocade fabric. Hmong are a people of the mountain. The colors on the beads symbolize the colors of nature while some say the balls represent butterflies. This piece reflects the reality of Hmong life right now in this pandemic. Masks have become a part of our tradition because our very survival and culture depend on it. Modern day Hmong Nplooj Sev can integrate face masks as part of a contemporary cultural expression.”
The artist, Tou Fong Lee, is the owner of Outkast Alterations in Menomonee Falls, and is the first Hmong and LGBTQIA business in Wisconsin. This creation illustrates a global phenomenon through the experience of the Hmong culture. Geographic and ethnic societies embraced mask-wearing for the same fundamental purpose: to stay safe and to keep others safe. However, the motivation and encouragement varied slightly between cultural backgrounds. The Hmong culture, which has no political homeland is passed down through the art of tradition. The survival of Hmong heritage is dependent upon the survival of the Hmong people themselves. This artwork emphasizes that new traditions are needed—adapting to current circumstances to ensure that a host of deeply-rooted traditions remain strong and vibrant for future generations. Tou Fong utilizes material and design specific and unique to the Hmong culture to intertwine the significance of heritage and the preservation of it.
Creator
Tou Fong Lee
Publisher
Creative Health Collective
Date
2020
Contributor
Zac Dickhut
Files
Collection
Reference
New Traditions Will Save Our Culture, Tou Fong Lee, Creative Health Collective, 2020