The H'mong are an Asian ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The H'mong sub-groups present in Vietnam include H'mong Xanh (Green Hmong), H'mong Do (Red Hmong), H'mong Hoa (Variegated Hmong) H'mong Den (Black Hmong) and Na Mieo. They are sub-groups of the Miao people, the majority of whom live in China. Around the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th they emigrated from China to Vietnam and built villages in highland regions of Ha Giang and Lao Cai provinces. H'mong are rich in culture, art and family and are distinguished by costume/dress (fabric patterns represent fruit, vegetables, farming, chickens, eggs, etc.)
At first the H’mong people may seem quiet and shy but with a visit to their home and a family introduction the H’mong will open up with laughter, celebration, song, and smile.
Within the Sapa the Black H’mong community make up the majority of the population. In Ta Phin village, they populate a small commune on the West side of the major rice paddy field. They are not as active in the tourism product here but are play a major role in the hemp production as well as brocade supply to some tourist shops in Sapa and Hanoi.
There dress is predominantly indigo in colour which is produced in fields and later used in dying the hemp fabric. Red, green and white highlighting colours are also used in the embroidery of the collar, belt and sleeves and helps to distinguish age and skill.
The men and woman both wear a vest-like cape that is shiny. This piece is hemp women and dyed as all of the other pieces of clothing but is also rubbed on rock or wood until the luster appears.
The Black H’mong can be found all over the Sapa area.
