On these pages we offer a
selection of contemporary silk brocade weavings from Laos. Because in so many
parts of the world fine textile production is a thing of the
past, it's a delight to find great care and pride taken in
present-day hand weaving. In some northern Lao provinces a few groups of
weavers
still laboriously hand-pick intricate brocade patterns, making
shawls, shoulder cloths, tube skirts, head cloths and scarves.
In a few places the textiles still
have ritual significance for their makers, or are produced for
temple offerings. Most of the traditional designs have animal or mythological
motifs that
pertain to certain festivals or ceremonies. The ubiquitous
naga, or
dragon, for example, is thought by the weavers to have protective
powers.
Most of the luxurious contemporary pieces shown here were woven in the Vientiane,
Luang Prabang, or Sam Neua areas. Most are all silk; a few are
cotton, with silk brocading. They can be worn as shawls or scarves, used as table
runners, or displayed as lovely wall hangings. All are in pristine condition.
To see the full textiles and
close-up photos, click
on the inventory numbers below.
To see older textiles from Laos and Thailand, go to Tribal
Textiles of Southeast Asia - 1.
You
may wish to check out our
Snapshot Tour of Laos and Thailand.
To see textile art from other parts of the world, go to our HOME
page. |
 |
|
