Handicrafts

Textile history in Laos

Lao culture is delicately detailed in its weavings, the most famous of all are the astonishing hand-woven textiles made from locally produced cottons and silks. Many of these feature religious or spiritual themes. At first glance patterns may look modern and abstract. Upon closer examination, one sees symbols with histories reaching back a thousand years. Tantric  diamonds provide protection from evil spirits; mythical animals and chimeras such as the Naga and the lion- elephant, bestow metaphysical meaning to the pride of Lao artisans.

Most Lao women wear the traditional skirt (sinh) everyday, the more intricately designed ones, especially those made from silk, are reserved for special occasions such as festivals and religious ceremonies.

Woodcraft:

The earliest examples of tools and utensils found in Laos are carved wooden staffs from Champassak Province in the south, and gourds, wooden idols and ritual masks from Luang Namtha and Bokeo Provinces in the north. Carved wooden vessels for eating, animal traps and weaving looms, are still in use today with very little modifications from ancient times. Laotian forests are abundant with precious tropical wood such as teak, mahogany, Laotian rosewood and the unique tigerwood, which is a light blonde colour with black stripes running through it. You can find and buy stunning pieces of furniture and handicrafts made from these woods.

Saa Paper:

Saa paper is made from the bark of mulberry trees, this explains its rough texture. Making it is a labour intensive process and accomplished by hand following a series of processes that despite their simplicity must be carefully observed.  The bark is first thoroughly sun-dried then soaked in water overnight. The pulp is then boiled before being mashed with a hammer then rinsed in cold water. Next it is pressed onto a screen and the water is squeezed out. The soggy pulp is then left on the screen to dry outside in the sun, leaving a thick, off-white sheet of rough paper behind for artists to paint.