Lao textiles weave a rich, colorful tale

Vic Albornoz Lactaoen, Contributor, Vientiane

Of all Lao's artistic traditions, perhaps none is more varied and more vital than its handwoven textiles. These inevitably show some stylistic links with Thailand, but in many respects Laos' tradition is richer and certainly the cloth being produced in Laos today is far finer, more complex and more technically accomplished.

Weaving is a craft almost entirely performed by women, and it has always been a mark of womanhood. Traditionally, a girl was not considered fit for marriage until she had mastered the art of weaving and the Lao Loum women were expected to weave a corsage for their wedding day.

Today, these traditions are inevitably less strictly adhered to, and there are also a handful of fine male weavers. Even so, a skilled weaver is held in high regard and enjoys a position of respect. Cloth is woven from silk, cotton, hemp and a variety of synthetic materials -- or in some combination of these.

The finest weavers and the finest weaving come from the north although some of the finest weavers now live and work in Vientiane. Traditionally, these were handed down through a family as heirlooms, stored in lidded stone jars to protect them from insects, moisture and sunlight, and only worn for special occasions.

Lao textiles show bold bands of design and color and the sarong (pha sin) is usually finished with a separate handwoven border. Among the designs are swastika motifs, hong (geese) diamond shapes, nyak (snake) heads, lions and elephants. Silk tends to be used throughout on the finer pieces, although the yarn may be imported rather than locally produced and it is colored using chemical dyes. Motifs include zig-zags, flowers and some designs that are French in inspiration.