This extraordinary textile is all hand woven and hand embroidered. It is the central part of a larger textile, the other parts of which are of less interest from a technical viewpoint. Used as a baby carrier, to secure a baby to a woman's back, the other parts, the parts that were most important in keeping the baby attached, would probably have been very worn and were removed before this part, the decorative part, was sold. Clearly the Hmong owner (in Laos) of this baby carrier was very proud of its beauty and its exceptional quality. This is a fine example of an artistic style which is disappearing if not already gone forever. This textile shows many signs of its age and use but not so much to ruin its beauty.

This excellent object measures 19 1/2" wide x 23" tall (49.5 x 58 cm)