Insects in art of indigenous peoples of Vietnam

Abstract (English)

This presentation explores the symbolic and aesthetic significance of insects in the traditional and contemporary art of Vietnam’s indigenous ethnic groups. Insects — particularly butterflies, dragonflies, cicadas, and spiders — are featured in textile patterns, woodcarvings, ritual artifacts, and myth-inspired paintings. These motifs often carry spiritual and cosmological meanings.

Drawing on ethnographic research, the presentation highlights how communities such as the Hmong and Jarai incorporate insect imagery in their crafts and folklore. For example, among some Hmong communities, butterfly patterns in embroidery symbolize the soul and the cycle of life, while in Jarai beliefs, the soul is thought to leave the body during sleep and wander the world in the form of a spider or other small insect. This reflects a shared cultural conception of insects as spiritual carriers or metaphysical beings.

The presentation also examines how contemporary artists of indigenous heritage — many from Vietnam’s mountainous regions — continue to engage with insect symbolism. In their work, insects are not only references to peoples’ beliefs but also metaphors for modern existential and cultural concerns.

In both traditional and contemporary contexts, insect imagery functions as a meaningful visual language, reflecting cultural memory and spiritual beliefs. By examining these artistic expressions, this study explores how these motifs evolve, showing the ongoing relevance and adaptability of cultural traditions in a changing world.