Seminars

Seminar—The Silk Road: From Silkworms to Nagas

This venue features a 1.5 hour presentation looking at the journey of a Lao textile from the creation of silk to the weaving process and the meaning of motifs. Hosted by Veomanee Duangdala & Joanna Smith, co-directors of Ock Pop Tok.

Seminar Structure is as follows:

• Introduction to Ock Pop Tok mission, history and current activities.
• Brief history of silk textiles.
• Look at silk worms and making silk thread – Showing samples of the silk worms and thread.
• Natural dyeing and dye sources – Includes participation from the audience assisting with a demonstration of dyeing silk.
• Short break refreshment served: Lemongrass tea and for the adventurous Saa Kii Morn (medicinal tea made from silkworm poo), Dtor Morn (fried silk worms)
• Weaving Techniques – We discuss the 3 main techniques used by Lao-Tai weavers; Supplementary, Tapestry and Ikat. Also depending on time participants can get onto the loom to try.
• Use of Textiles in Laos – Showing samples of different textiles and discussing their function and the meaning of motifs, What is a Naga?
• View the weavers at work – Participants can walk to the weaving area after the talk and watch the weavers at work.
• Discussion – Question and answer time

This seminar can be booked for groups ranging from 1 to 60 pax. The seminar can also be arranged at other venues in Luang Prabang depending on your needs.

Optional Extras: Depending on the time booked, lunch, cocktails and canapés or even a special dinner for a group can be served overlooking the Mekong River in our Silk Road Café.