Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Hmong Tribe Girl'

Representing a young girl of the Hmong culture, Suwit Suthamtha creates an enchanting doll, imbued with the rich diversity of Thai artistry. This handmade piece reflects the traditions of the hill tribes of Thailand, as colorful clothing transmits centuries of meaning. An exquisite ceramic piece for the worldly collection. The Hmong people live in many parts of Southeast Asia and are divided into two separate groups: the Blue Hmong and the White Hmong. Women traditionally hand-craft clothing for their families using cotton or hemp, creating richly decorated attire with magnificent embroidery, often complemented by silver jewelry. For centuries the Hmong have sustained themselves through the cultivation of the opium poppy. However, most people are now seeking alternative markets, such as the fabrication and selling of exquisite needlework. Strict animists, the Hmong rely on shamans who use dramatic methods to contact the spirits. Suwit Suthamtha describes her process: "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln-fire the pieces at 1472� F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes - I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."