Motifs

Motifs in Lao textiles are deeply symbolic. Anthropologists can determine: ethnic group, marital status, region and function from looking at textiles. Some motifs are mythical creatures of legends and folktales such as siho; half lion half elephant.

Others are inspired by the natural environment; trees, flowers, clouds, water, lightning, birds and animals. Religious beliefs play an integral role in the textile design often depicted are ancestor spirits, the afterworld, temples and stupas. Animal and mythical creature motifs are frequently used in the arts in Lao. This is partly because animals are thought to have special powers, many are the animals from the zodiac. Another reason is because of the important role animals played in the epics that accompanied the introduction of Buddhism into Lao. The Naga motif is perhaps the most frequently used.

A Naga is a mythological water serpent with unparalleled magic powers. Nagas can assume the form of other beings such as animals and humans, Lao legends tell of love affairs between Nagas and humans. Generally they are seen as benevolent beings, that protect and save humans from illnesses, hunger and bad spirits. When they are angry Nagas use their powers to create floods, storms and other natural disasters, or inflict illness and even death. The word Naga is from the Buddhist language Pali, in Lao it is called Nak. Nagas are a prominent feature in temple design, the spikes you see on temple roofs are in fact the horns of the Naga’s head. The Naga is important to animists as it is believed to be an ancestor spirit, whilst Buddhists revere the Naga as he saved Buddha from the floods.

Here are some more Lao motifs:

• The crab symbolises a bountiful harvest.
• The butterfly a short-lived symbol, taboo for weddings, represents beauty and vanity, worn by young girls.
• The bird can be seen in many forms, if shown flying it is a symbol for an upper class woman.
• The snake associated with fertility and the underworld. In one legend the snake was the anscestor of Lao.
• Elephants have played an important role in the wars of Lao, thus determining Lao history. They also thought to have rain bearing power.