The rich history and heritage, the cool climate, the mysterious plain of jars even the American war history make Xieng Khouang a fascinating place to visit. When we were in Xieng Khouang the local tourism office took us to visit Naphia Village.

“Make spoons not war” that’s the slogan in Naphia Village.  Since 1975 this village has been re-cycling bombshells into spoons, bracelets and even ladles. One ladle is on display in our current F2F “Indigo” exhibition. For more information about products made from bombs go HERE. .  Recently the village has been working with Swiss NGO Helvetas, their focus is to increase tourism in the village.  A central weaving place in the village was built and interpretive information panels describe how the spoons and textiles are made.

Another recent development in Xieng Khouang is the opening of a non-profit shop called Quality of Life that is supported by the US Embassy.  Working with victims of unexploded ordinance the non-profit aims to filter income back to afflicted producers through sales of their handicrafts.

In a recent interview Mr Khampow, the head of the Department of Commerce and Industry, stated that one of the key strategies is to develop the Xieng Khouang brand.  Everything from textiles to fruits can be branded.  Historically this area, formerly known as Mouang Phuan, was a strategic stronghold in the Lane Xang Kingdom, its central location made it a key trading route between eastern Hue in Vietnam and as far west as Burma. Lavish Phuan textiles were woven and worn in the courts of Vientiane.  It’s a very smart idea to revive both the weaving in the area and the reputation of the textiles too.

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Discovering Xieng Kouang

Most people know Xieng Khouang because of the the plain of jars, a UNESCO heritage site but there is a lot more to Xieng Khouang than that.  

Ock Pop Tok has been working in this area since 2003.  Look at our webshop to see some of the highly intricate and soon to be famous textiles of the area.

Stupa dotted hills, crumbling old city walls, and a winding stream are the view from Nasi village, home to a group of Tai Dam families.  A few years ago Consortium a USAID funded project worked in the village in the silk sector.  The worms died of disease and now the village weaves synthetic silk skirts for the local market. Our mission is to assess what the options are to increase income through tourism and more specifically through handicrafts.   Funded by a loan from the New Zealand government this small LNTA project will assess similar situations for 9 other villages.  Jo has been brought in as a private sector consultant to help develop strategies to raise income levels.

We will analyse 2 more villages in Xieng Khouang; Ban O the Hmong Village and Ban O the Tai Phuan village.  Fortunately these villages have had UXO cleared so we know the village and surrounding fields are safe.

There are 2 key issues in the villages firstly, they are working with low quality materials, and secondly they have very limited access to markets.  We need to look at options of sourcing organic materials and how to expand their markets.  In most of the Village Weaver Projects the artisans produce their own silk, their own cotton or hemp.  Producing these materials is time consuming, hardwork and sometimes fails due to climate change or disease (silkworms).  Are the artisans willing to risk money, time and hardwork or would it be better to buy in raw materials and start the project from there?  Each village has different constraints, different issues.

The way we make the assessment is straightforward; we talk to all the stakeholders.  A day is spent in the village talking about the step by step production; where they source materials, costings, equipment, handicrafts currently produced, traditional handicrafts, logistics, issues, concerns, we cover everything.  Then we go talk to the different players in the value chain; the local markets, consumers, government stakeholders; DCI about strategies both provincial and district level, Lao Women’s Union who facilitate training programmes.  We also talk to the end markets; NGOs, private sector, tourists.  A lot of talking and then a lot of report writing. The key is to map out a set of interventions at key stages in the value chain.

This is the first phase for this particular project.  The next phase is to start implementing these interventions.  Villages will participate in study tour programmes; the idea being to learn off other villages, exchange knowledge and experience, meet end market players, and take part in training programmes.

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We are constantly asked where we find inspiration for our designs. We always start by looking through our extensive antique textile collection. We have blankets, costumes, scarves, silver.. from various tribes and various years.  We have it all locked up in our secret room! When the door is unlocked and we go inside looking for one thing we usually come out with 20..

Here are a few photos of antique Tai Lue blankets. You can see the motifs and how intricate the work is. The colors are mostly faded, so we have to take special care so they do not get any more damaged from the elements. We have recently moved everything into a temperature controlled room. We are always in need of some volunteers to help with our continued cataloging of our collection…. if this interests you.. get in touch HERE.

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Every year we make a T-Shirt for our staff for Lao New Year. This year we chose a theme of the natural colors we use.. and what plants they come from . The front of the tee says.. To Dye For.. then lists all the plants and flowers we use to create those dyes like; indigo, teak, sappan, rosewood, jackfruit and lemongrass.

The back says.. ‘new year, new friends, new memories..’

Happy 2555!

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April 13, 14, 15th was Lao New Year. We celebrated at the Living Craft Centre with a special Baci for all of our employees. It was a beautiful evening to receive blessings and make wishes for the upcoming year!

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Just received some lovely photos from John and Karen who visited us and spent some time with Mone in our shop!

"Hello,
We’re finally back home in Canada now after our trip.
We promised to send you some photos and are finally able to do that.
Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness in showing us your store.
Taylor & Karen"

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A few weeks ago, we had a lovely visit from a writer and photographer from the Japanese magazine CREA Traveller. They spent some time at our store taking pictures and talking about what Ock Pop Tok is all about. I just received the issue in the mail today and the magazine is Japanese perfection!

At OPT we love all things Japanese.. the people, the style, the fashion, the design, and of course the food!

Thank you for including OPT in your wonderful magazine!

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Just got a note from Libby McCann, fundraising secretary, of Kampuchea House in Cambodia with news of their 2011 Christmas Bazaar and it was a huge success! We love  that OPT is included and represented at the Bazaar.

Libby and Diana travel around Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia each year and buy local artisan handicrafts to bring back to Melbourne for their annual Kampuchea House Christmas Fundraising Bazaar. This year they raised over $21,000!! To learn more about Kampuchea House and how they help orphaned children with housing, education in a traditional familial setting. you can visit their site HERE.

We are excited to see Libby and Diane  in May to buy products for the 2012 Bazaar!

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March 8th is International Women’s Day. We celebrate it every year with a picnic for all the women who work with us. This year we went to Kuang Si Waterfall about 25 Km outside of town. If you plan on visiting Luang Prabang a trip to Kuang Si is a must!

It was a wonderful day with amazing food, great signing and big smiles.

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This week we have been installing our new indigo exhibit in Fiber 2 Fabric Gallery. You can see we have selected 4 beautiful antique Tai indigo blankets..

The tools of the indigo trade also will be on display including whisks, gourds, metal ladles.. all things Indigo!

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