Hmong LEGO Paj Ntaub
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Created and written by Greg Rhodes

This LEGO version of a traditional paj ntaub (story cloth) is my love letter to the courage and resilience of the Hmong people. It consists of 25 scenes depicting life back in Laos, fleeing after the Vietnam War, crossing the Mekong River, and resettling at the refugee camp in Thailand. All these scenes, as well as the overall style and colors, were inspired by actual embroidered paj ntaubs.

Since LEGO bricks are incredibly versatile, I created most of what you see with standard bricks. I modified some, such as the qeej (a Hmong musical instrument), and created some original pieces, like men’s sashes or women’s skirts.

About the Creator
I am a LEGO brick enthusiast affectionately known around social media as the “Hmong LEGO guy.” I live much of my life within the Hmong community of the Twin Cities. My wife of 30 years is Hmong, and I am the lead pastor of a majority Hmong church (RiverLife Church). As such, most of my friends are Hmong, and I’ve been welcomed into this community as one of their own.

My Hmong LEGO creations are dedicated to the people and culture with whom I live and work, celebrate and mourn. I hope to inspire other LEGO builders—young and old—to see themselves in their toys and build their community.

Minnesota
2024