Lao PDR - Rural life - Ethnic minorities

A married Ko Pala ethnic minority woman wears her traditional costume at home, Ban Honglerk, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The brightly coloured, flamboyant costumes of the young Pala women are in contrast to the more conservative clothing of their elders. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.

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Filename: A0019967cc_1.jpg
Copyright: Tessa Bunney
Image Size: 3000x4000 / 1.5MB; Asia Bunney Ko Ko Pala Lao Lao PDR Laos PDR Pala Phongsali Phongsaly Southeast Asia Tessa X-stitch clothing cross stitch decoration embroidery ethnic female headdress jewellery life minorities minority pattern portrait remote rural textiles traditional woman women Southeast hill tribe hill tribes married plastic beads brightly coloured flamboyant costume Akha
Contained in galleries: Tessa Bunney - All pics, Lao PDR - Rural Life

A married Ko Pala ethnic minority woman wears her traditional costume at home, Ban Honglerk, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The brightly coloured, flamboyant costumes of the young Pala women are in contrast to the more conservative clothing of their elders. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.