Hmong (Meo) women with silver rings

Photographer

Halpern, Joel M. (Joel Martin), 1929-

Date

• 1957

Summary

• These White Hmong women near Halpern's Jeep are, from left to right, Mrs. Chue Xiong Yang (Niam Tsuj Xyooj Yaj) (who now (2006) lives in French Guyana), Mrs. Chue Tou Xiong (Niam Tsuj Rwg Xyooj) (Orleans, France), Bee Xiong (Npib Xyooj) (Niam Npuag Foob Thoj) (Orleans, France), Mao Xiong (Mos Xyooj) (Orleans, France), and Dia Yang (Diav Yaj) (France). Their silver neck rings are characteristic of the Hmong and serve to display a family's relative wealth. It is unclear what the two women on the right are holding in their hands, though it may be polaroids of themselves taken by Halpern. Dia Yang (Diav Yaj) served as a valuable secretary at the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI)'s Vientiane, Laos center for 15 years (until 1975).