Silk Weavers of Hill Tribe Laos


Book Description

"Part travelogue, part silk-weaving primer, this is a tender portrait of an American family's travels in Laos's Houaphon Province. As they learn about the ancient silk weaving traditions in the hill tribe community of Xam Tai, so too they gain an appreciation for the strong sense of well-being in Lao culture. Over the past decade, Beck and Hirschstein have developed deep connections with the villagers of Xam Tai who produce the finest, most intricate, most traditional silks in the world. The weavers raise their own fiber from silkworms, dye it using local natural dyes, and weave the patterns of their ancestors into healing cloths, ceremonial textiles, and daily wear. Hirschstein and Beck provide an in-depth and rare view into the everyday lives, cultures, and craft of Lao silk weavers"--Front cover French flap.




Lao-Tai Textiles


Book Description

"Patricia Cheesman's understanding and commitment to the textiles arts of Laos and Thailand in particular has, over the intervening years, produced a wealth of resources for the newcomer and the better informed, for the art historian and for those interested in the practical aspects of weaving and dyeing. Of course the two cannot truly be separated, but Patricia Cheesman's background as a practising crafts person illuminates her publications. When she began to write on Lao and Tai textiles, there was little available on the topic. Today there is a wealth of material--in Thai and English for those seeking to understand something of the technical and cultural foundations of arguably the region's most dynamic art form. There is, however, always a place for a publication such as this, born out of a long involvement with the textiles and their creators. As she has done before, Patricia Cheesman concentrates on bringing clarity, recognition and cultural understanding to yet another set of the region's traditional textiles in an engaging and accessible style." --from the Foreword by Robyn Maxwell, senior curator of Asian art, National Gallery of Australia




Lao Textiles


Book Description




Lao Textiles and Traditions


Book Description

The Lao-Tai people have created the exquisitely woven fabrics which have captivated textile connoisseurs. This book reveals the uses of these beautiful textiles with their intriguing motifs.




H'mong Batik


Book Description

H'mong Batik: A Textile Technique from Laoscelebrates the artistry of Blue H'mong women, as it is expressed in their batik. The painstaking methods by which they created traditional skirts, the importance of the skirts in the major lie events of marriage and death, and the bonds formed between women as one thought another are all explored with great sensitivity. Illustrations recognize the achievements of individual batik artists, and a legend on the origin of batik adds a spiritual dimension.




Buddhist Textiles of Laos, Lan Na and the Isan


Book Description

This Book Studies The Iconography Of The Design Elements Typically Employed By Craftspersons Of Tai Textiles From The Laos, Lan Na And Isan Areas. With Numerous Splendid Illustrations Of The Designs, It Deals With Their Art Of Weaving, Various Textile Forms To Be Found In The Region And The Suitable And Inherently Powerful Motifs Woven.




Art of Southeast Asian Textiles


Book Description

"First published in 2012 by Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd. ... in association with Serindia Publications, Inc.,,"--T.p. verso.




Siho and Naga--Lao Textiles


Book Description

Siho and Naga are the most powerful mythological figures in Lao tradition manifested in their textiles. This book focuses on the history and culture of the creators of exquisitely hand woven fabrics that have attracted textile connoisseurs all over the world. The study leads not only to rare weaving techniques, patterns and natural dyes, but also to a vast ethnic diversity of people who used to live self sufficiently of their natural environment in rural areas or under royal patronage in ancient cities. Textiles have always been an integral part of the social and spiritual life of Lao people who now, after a devastating war, are challenged to come to terms with tourism, cash, and global market strategies. Siho and Naga shall raise awareness for urgent educational reform countrywide and encourage local and international preservers of Lao culture to continue their efforts to the benefit of Lao's young generation, who eventually will grasp the value of their own textiles in order to set them against cheap imports.




Hmong Story Cloths


Book Description

Hmong story cloths provide a visual documentation of the historical and cultural legacy of the Hmong people from the country of Laos. The Hmong first began making the story cloths during their time in refugee camps, and featured here are 48 vibrant story cloths that provide a comprehensive look at their lives and culture. The creation of a story cloth begins with the selection of fabric and images outlined onto the fabric. Long satin stitches of multi-colored threads fill in the image, while details are applied with intricate satin stitches and borders pieced together and hand-stitched. Topics include history, traditional life in Laos, Hmong New Year, folk tales, and neighboring people. The quality and diversity of content of the story cloths build upon one another to provide a holistic understanding of the Hmong culture and history. Augmented with personal stories and artifacts, this book is perfect for history buffs and textile artisans alike.




Grandmother Power


Book Description

Whether fighting for the environment, human rights, education, health, or cultural preservation, a new generation of activist grandmothers across the world are using their strength, wisdom, and hearts to make a difference. An unheralded grandmothers' movement is changing the world. Insurgent grandmothers are using their power to fight for a better future for grandchildren everywhere. And they are succeeding. Grandmother Power profiles activist grandmothers in fifteen countries on five continents who tell their compelling stories in their own words. Grandmothers in Canada, Swaziland, and South Africa collaborate to care for AIDS orphans. Grandmothers in Senegal convince communities to abandon female genital mutilation. Grandmothers in India become solar engineers and bring light to their villages while those in Peru, Thailand, and Laos sustain weaving traditions. Grandmothers in Argentina teach children to love books and reading. Other Argentine grandmothers continue their 40-year search for grandchildren who were kidnapped during the nation's military dictatorship. Irish grandmothers teach children to sow seeds and cook with fresh, local ingredients. Filipino grandmothers demand justice for having been forced into sex slavery during World War II. Guatemalan grandmothers operate a hotline and teach parenting. In the Middle East, Israeli grandmothers monitor checkpoints to prevent abuse and the UAE's most popular television show stars four animated grandmothers who are surprised by contemporary life. Indigenous grandmothers from thirteen countries conduct healing rituals to bring peace to the world. Gianturco's full-color images and her heroines' amazing tales make Grandmother Power an inspiration for everyone, and it cements the power of grandmothers worldwide. Please visit http://globalgrandmotherpower.com/ for additional information. All author royalties will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, which provides grants to African grandmothers who are raising AIDS orphans.