Description
This wall hanging is a Village Weavers Project collaboration with the master weavers of Houaphan Province. The weavers from this province in northern Laos have long been recognized as some of Laos’ most accomplished weavers.
It features the naga and siho patterns. Nagas are mythological water serpents that are considered powerful and benevolent spirits. They protect and guide. There are numerous folk tales associated with the Naga, and these stories are often passed on through textiles. The siho, which means lion elephant, is another famous character in Lao textiles. The siho lives in the forest. Part lion, it is strong and fierce. Whereas its elephant part shows that it is careful, patient and kind. The elephant also represents wealth, respect, strength and prosperity, and is thought to have rain-bearing powers.
In December 2020, Ock Pop Tok organized a training* for 15 weavers from eight villages. Led by Lear, Ock Pop Tok’s Head of Design and Production, we helped them refine their weaving skills, improve their pattern design and color selection to create textiles for the high-end luxury market. For years, we’ve been building a relationship with this market, creating and nurturing a sense of appreciation for this refined work. These women are thus able to get a higher level of income and be remunerated like the high-skilled artisans they are.
This training was financed by the Handicraft Skills for Tourism Small Grants Facility, an initiative of the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029) which is financed by the government of Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
- Material: 100% Silk
- Care Instructions:
- Dimensions: 38 cm x 210 cm
