Baby Carrier Cloth

The baby carrier consists of similar embroidery work found in the story cloths and other Hmong textile works like belts and skirts. These carriers are used to support a baby on a mother’s back allowing them to use their hands for work and also prevent babies from wandering off and facing dangers outside while families are occupied. The bright colors and patterns can be seen as a way to fend off the evil spirits that may want to take the baby’s soul and bring protective spirits. Some of the embellishments are shaped similarly to a flower which is used to trick the bad spirits into thinking the baby is a flower. The use of the path patterns are used to signify protection from one's family ancestors.  In the Hmong culture, spiritual wellbeing is closely tied to one's physical wellbeing connecting to someone's soul. Specifically, it is believed that the soul is more likely to leave the small bodies of children and babies.