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  • A view of the bamboo forest close by to the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The terrain of Houaphan province is rugged, with dense mountainous forest forming much of the province, particularly on the western side bordering Vietnam. Bamboo is important in rural parts of the province and used as a principal building material. The women collect bamboo shoots both for food and for sale. In Viengxay district there are two bamboo processing factories which produce items such as floormats, fences, chopsticks and toothpicks for the Vietnamese market.
    A0026678cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting and the bark has been peeled off in long thin lengths, the hemp yarn is pounded in a large wooden mortar to soften it, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026903cc_1.jpg
  • A Lao woman washing and relaxing in Nameuang hot springs after working in the fields, Houaphan province, Lao PDR.
    A0021883cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman selling homegrown melons at her roadside stall in Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Upland rice is the main crop grown by Lao shifting cultivators. In addition, several other crops are grown in smaller quantity either in the same or adjacent plots including melon, cassava, maize, cucumber, chillies and sesame.
    DSCF2379cc_1.jpg
  • Ricefields along the main road from Sam Tai to Muang Kuan during rainy season, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    DSCF2313cc_1.jpg
  • The Buddhist ceremony of Boun Khao Salak - giving offerings in honour of loved ones who have died - at a temple in Sam Neua, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    DSCF2506cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman boils indigo dyed cotton fabric in Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. 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.
    A0027015cc_1.jpg
  • A ball of hemp fibre (cannabis sativa) in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    DSCF2327cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman, carrying her baby on her back, twisting lengths of hemp bark together to form one long yarn, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The yarn is wrapped around the hand in a figure of 8 creating a ball shape. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026820cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for pink cotton applique and colour cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026749cc_1.jpg
  • A man on a motorbike struggles to drive along the muddy main road from Sam Tai to Muang Kuan during rainy season, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    DSCF2310cc_1.jpg
  • Typical landscape view of Houaphan province with bamboo forests and swidden rice fields, Lao PDR. The terrain of Houaphan province is rugged, with dense mountainous forest forming much of the province, particularly on the western side bordering Vietnam. Bamboo is important in rural parts of the province and used as a principal building material and the women collect bamboo shoots both for food and for sale. In Viengxay district there are two bamboo processing factories which produce items such as floormats, fences, chopsticks and toothpicks for the Vietnamese market.
    DSCF2293cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman twisting lengths of hemp bark together to form one long yarn, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The yarn is wrapped around the hand in a figure of 8 creating a ball shape. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026949cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting and the bark has been peeled off in long thin lengths, the hemp yarn is pounded in a large wooden mortar to soften it, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026919cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman wearing her traditional clothing ties up the hemp stalks after harvesting and stripping off the leaves, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026865cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', swidden rice fields in Houaphan province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0026756cc_1.jpg
  • A close up of hemp fabric on a loom showing the warp and weft threads in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Hmong weavers in Houaphan province use a back strap loom where the tension of the warp is controlled by the weaver wearing a strap around their waist. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026889cc_1.jpg
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman removing a length of indigo dyed cotton fabric from a vat of Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) used to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. 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.
    A0026973cc_1.jpg
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman dyeing cotton fabric with indigo dye, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour to a dark blue/black she sells it to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. 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.
    A0026957cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting, hemp (cannabis sativa) is left to dry in the sun for around 7 days before the bark is peeled off in long thin lengths, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026951cc_1.jpg
  • Weaving hemp fabric on a back strap loom in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026893cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for red cotton applique and colourful cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026833cc crop_1.jpg
  • Hemp (cannabis sativa) stalks drying in a field in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026797cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting and the bark has been peeled off in long thin lengths, the hemp yarn is pounded in large wooden mortar to soften it, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026923cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing in Ban Hom Phan village, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. 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.
    A0026991cc_1.jpg
  • A Tai Deng woman preparing cotton bolls for exporting to Vietnam, Ban Naphonesouk, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    A0027025cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman washes her baby in a metal cooking pot, Ban Houaiyad, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    A0021878cc_1.jpg
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman laying cotton fabric dyed with indigo dye out in the sun to dry, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour to a dark blue/black she sells to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. 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.
    A0026985cc_1.jpg
  • Boiling indigo dyed cotton fabric in Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) to fix the colour in Ban Hom Phan, a Iu Mien village in Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The cotton fabric is purchased from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour it is sold to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. 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.
    A0026981cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman twisting lengths of hemp bark together to form one long yarn, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The yarn is wrapped around the hand in a figure of 8 creating a ball shape. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026940cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting and the bark has been peeled off in long thin lengths, the hemp yarn is pounded in a large wooden mortar to soften it, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026915cc_1.jpg
  • A field of hemp growing in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026793cc_1.jpg
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman boiling indigo dyed cotton fabric in Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. 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.
    A0026965cc_1.jpg
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman boiling indigo dyed cotton fabric in Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells it to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. 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.
    A0026954cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman decorates woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    DSCF2455cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman twisting lengths of hemp bark together to form one long yarn, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The yarn is wrapped around the hand in a figure of 8 creating a ball shape. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026934cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting and the bark has been peeled off in long thin lengths, the hemp yarn is pounded in a large wooden mortar to soften it, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026916cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting and the bark has been peeled off in long thin lengths, the hemp yarn is pounded in a large wooden mortar to soften it, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026896cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman wearing her traditional clothing holds a bunch of freshly harvest hemp stalks, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026870cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for red cotton applique and colourful cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026828cc_1.jpg
  • Two Hmong girls carrying bundles of hemp (cannabis sativa) plant back from the field, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026795cc_1.jpg
  • Weaving hemp fabric on a back strap loom in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026890cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman wearing her traditional clothing strips the leaves off the hemp plant as she is harvesting, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026853cc_1.jpg
  • White Hmong girl holding a cloth ball for playing the ball throwing game of  ‘pov pob’ at Ban Nakhao Hmong New Year festival, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. ‘Pov pob’ is a formalised courting ritual where unmarried men and women face each other in a line and toss cloth balls to one another using only one hand. The Hmong celebration of New Year is based on the lunar calendar. This important time is an opportunity to honour ancestors and spirits through offerings and rituals and to partake in games, sports, feasts, shows, bullfights and courtship. The Hmong are the third largest ethnic group in Laos. 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.
    A0021452cc_1.jpg
  • A Lao woman washing and relaxing in Nameuang hot springs after working in the fields, Houaphan province, Lao PDR.
    A0021884cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting, hemp (cannabis sativa) is left to dry in the sun for around 7 days before the bark is peeled off in long thin lengths. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026881cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting, hemp (cannabis sativa) is left to dry in the sun for around 7 days before the bark is peeled off in long thin lengths. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0027031cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique in Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021476cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021474cc_1.jpg
  • Balls of hemp fibre (cannabis sativa), Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021273cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Tong, a Hmong Du woman holds a ball of hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre which she has produced herself, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021423cc_1.jpg
  • Yai puts on a hairpiece made from her own hair collected from her hairbrush over many years in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    DSCF2340cc_1.jpg
  • Yua, a Hmong Du ethnic minority woman prepares the hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre for weaving, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan Province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021339cc_1.jpg
  • Yai puts on a hairpiece made from her own hair collected from her hairbrush over many years in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    DSCF2339cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting, the hemp plant (cannabis sativa) is left to dry in the sun for around 7 days, then the bark is peeled off in long thin lengths, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026786cc_1.jpg
  • Yua, a Hmong Du ethnic minority woman prepares the hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre for weaving, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan Province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021339cc_1.jpg
  • Yua, a Hmong Du woman wears her traditional skirt made from hand woven hemp (cannabis sativa), decorated with batik (a wax resist technique) and dyed with indigo, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The batik motif is the basis for hand stitched cotton appliqué and embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021361cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Tong, a Hmong Du woman holds a skein of hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre which she has produced herself, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021321cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of Yai with her peeled hemp outside her home in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026716cc_1.jpg
  • A Lao Phong woman weaves fabric using the 'mutmee' tie-dye weaving technique, in Ban Saleuy, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Ikat, called mutmee or matmee in Lao, is the Malay word for tie. Threads are tied to resist the dye, then coloured in the dyebath to pattern them before being woven as plainweave. The colours on the fabric blur at the edges like tie-dye.
    A0021834cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting, the hemp plant (cannabis sativa) is left to dry in the sun for around 7 days, then the bark is peeled off in long thin lengths, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026774cc_1.jpg
  • Ye and Yai with their peeled hemp fibres in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026704cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique in Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021476cc_1.jpg
  • After harvesting, the hemp plant (cannabis sativa) is left to dry in the sun for around 7 days, then the bark is peeled off in long thin lengths, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026784cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Yua, a Hmong Du woman washes the hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre in the river, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021302cc_1.jpg
  • Balls of hemp fibre (cannabis sativa), Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021273cc_1.jpg
  • Yua, a Hmong Du woman softens the hemp fibre (cannabis sativa) by placing it in a hole in the ground and bashing it with a tool, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021270cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Yua, a Hmong Du woman washes the hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre in the river, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021302cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021474cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021483cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Tong, a Hmong Du woman holds a ball of hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre which she has produced herself, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021423cc_1.jpg
  • Yua, a Hmong Du woman softens the hemp fibre (cannabis sativa) by placing it in a hole in the ground and bashing it with a tool, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021270cc_1.jpg
  • Yai wearing a hairpiece made from her own hair collected from her hairbrush over many years in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    A0026737cc_1.jpg
  • Yai, a Hmong woman, wearing a hairpiece made from her own hair collected from her hairbrush over many years in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
    A0026729_1.jpg
  • Portrait of Yai with her peeled hemp outside her home in the Hmong village of Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026713cc_1.jpg
  • Yua, a Hmong Du woman wears her traditional skirt made from hand woven hemp (cannabis sativa), decorated with batik (a wax resist technique) and dyed with indigo, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The batik motif is the basis for hand stitched cotton appliqué and embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021361cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Tong, a Hmong Du woman holds a skein of hemp (cannabis sativa) fibre which she has produced herself, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021321cc_1.jpg
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