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  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman sews traditional clothing outside her home, Ban Nam Chang, Bokeo province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    29-01_1_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman holds a reel of hand spun cotton, Ban Nam Lue, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    22-05_1_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman rolling cotton, Ban Nam Dee, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    04-10_1_1.jpg
  • An elderly Bai ethnic minority woman makes a bamboo basket for carrying vegetables in her home, Xizhou, Yunnan Province, China. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    385-09_1.jpg
  • An Aini ethnic minority woman sewing her traditional clothing outside her home in Xiang Dao Ya village. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    61-07_1.jpg
  • A Miao/Hmong ethnic minority woman wearing a modern printed traditional style pleated skirt stands with a wild animal which has been caught in a trap, San Yao San village, Yunnan Province, China. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    60-15_1.jpg
  • A Miao/Hmong ethnic minority woman carries a baby and a pair rice beaters on her way back from threshing rice. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    60-13_1.jpg
  • An Aini ethnic minority woman sits on a bed with a young boy in her home in Xiang Dao Ya village. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    56-18_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman taking a break from collecting the harvested glutinous rice on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019748cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019665cc_1.jpg
  • A Naxi ethnic minority woman takes a chicken as a present for a new baby, Wen Hai Xia village, Yunnan Province, China. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    361-13_1.jpg
  • A portrait of a Pumi ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing in her home, Lin Chang village, Yunnan Province, China. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    331-01_1.jpg
  • Portrait of Xi Le Li, a Hani ethnic minority woman wearing traditional clothing in Gan Pai Da Zhai village, Yunnan province, China. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    70-16_1.jpg
  • The bedroom of a young married Yao man and Yi woman in Xin Shan (Yao) village, Yunnan province, China. Until recently it was uncommon for a couple from different ethnic minority groups to get married. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    59-07_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019715cc_1.jpg
  • A pregnant White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019686cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority family take a break from collecting the harvested glutinous rice on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019767cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019728cc_1.jpg
  • A pregnant White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019687cc_1.jpg
  • Tan, a Tai Lue ethnic minority man holds a fish he has caught in the river and then smoked over an open fire, Ban Bo Ha village, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR.  For families living away from the main roads and markets, food caught or collected from the wild, especially edible plants and small animals still make up fifty per cent of their diet.  Nature’s bounty in providing for the Lao may be plentiful, but this does not mean that the task of growing and finding enough food for family subsistence and maintenance is easy. It is a major preoccupation of rural families and takes the bulk of time and energy of every man, woman and child.
    A0011010cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman sews traditional clothing, Ban Pakha, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4749cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman wearing traditional indigo-dyed cotton clothing outside her home, Ban Houey Liey, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4534cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman spinning cotton, Ban Pakha, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    A0032830cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman spinning cotton, Ban Pakha, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4742cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman spinning cotton, Ban Pakha, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4737cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman wearing traditional clothing makes paper outside her home, Ban Houey Liey, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4563cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman wearing traditional clothing makes paper outside her home, Ban Houey Liey, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4566cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman wearing traditional indigo-dyed cotton clothing outside her home, Ban Houey Liey, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4505cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman sews traditional clothing outside her home, Ban Houey Liey, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4548cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman sews traditional clothing outside her home, Ban Houey Liey, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China. Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    DSCF4539cc_1.jpg
  • Qing Miao (Long Horn Miao) ethnic minority woman splices hemp in Longga village (Ghao Xin), Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is need for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    106-06_1.jpg
  • A Miao ethnic minority woman from Weng Xiang village sews part of her traditional costume, Guizhou Province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    121-08_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Small Flower Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her traditional clothing, in her home Gao Yuan village, Guizhou, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    107-07_1.jpg
  • A Qing Miao (Long Horn Miao) ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional costume sews outside her home in Longga village (Ghao Xin), Guizhou province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    105-04_1.jpg
  • Wearing a traditional hemp skirt, a Big Flowery Miao ethnic minority woman splices hemp, Qie Chong village, Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is needed for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    087-03_1.jpg
  • Wearing a traditional hemp skirt, a Big Flowery Miao ethnic minority woman harvests hemp, Qie Chong village, Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is needed for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    086-12_1.jpg
  • A reel of hand spun cotton on a piece of rice straw, Ban Nam Lue, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    A 5734_1_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional headdress and a modern t-shirt, a married Mouchi ethnic minority woman stands outside her wooden home in Ban Terka, Phongsaly 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. 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.
    A0018956cc_1.jpg
  • A Mounteun ethnic minority woman sews her traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Mounteun, Phongsaly 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. 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.
    A0016739cc_1.jpg
  • A Bai Xing style Miao ethnic minority woman wearing her heavily decorated traditional clothing, spins human hair for use in her traditional headdress, Lao Zhai Zi village, Guizhou Province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    100-06_1.jpg
  • A Red-Thread Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her colourful appliqued traditional costume, splices ramie, Yi Xin village, Guizhou province, China. Ramie is one of the oldest fibre crops, having been used for at least six thousand years, and is principally used for fabric production. It is a bast fibre and the part used is the bark of the vegetative stalks. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    092-08_1.jpg
  • After ginning (removing the seeds), the cotton is carded or ‘fluffed’ and then the soft cotton is rolled into straw-like shapes to make it easy to spin, Ban Nam Dee, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into 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.
    A 5764_1_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional headscarf made from indigo dyed cotton, La, a Laopan ethnic minority woman stands outside her bamboo home in Ban Laopan, Phongsaly 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. 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.
    A0018936cc_1.jpg
  • A Mounteun ethnic minority woman sews her traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Mounteun, Phongsaly 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. 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.
    A0016746cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019611cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019596cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019587rtcc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten woman wearing her traditional clothing makes prepares bamboo for making paper which is used during religious ceremonies. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. 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.
    06-04_1_1.jpg
  • A Tai Lue ethnic minority woman holds a skein of naturally coloured brown cotton, Ban Bimi, Sayaboury province, Lao PDR.  The Tai Lue are known as expert weavers particularly of cotton which they cultivate locally. 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.
    A0029138cc_1.jpg
  • A young Khmu mother washes her young baby in the traditional Khmu way by putting warm water in her mouth and 'spitting' it on the baby, Ban Chaleunsouk, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Khmu are the largest ethnic minority in Laos and belong to the Mon-Khmer sub-branch of the Austroasiatic ethnolinguistic family, who are considered the original inhabitants of 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.
    38-06_1_1.jpg
  • A Tai Neua ethnic minority woman weaves colourful striped cotton fabric for make Sinhs (traditional Lao skirt) outside her home in Ban Si Li Houng, Luang Namtha 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.
    16-11_1_1.jpg
  • A Lanten woman wearing her traditional clothing makes bamboo paper which is used during religious ceremonies. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. 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.
    05-09_1_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority woman with her baby outside her home in Ban Sopkang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The remote and roadless village of Ban Sopkang is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2186cc_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority woman with her baby and other children outside her home in Ban Sopkang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The remote and roadless village of Ban Sopkang is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2183cc_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority woman with her baby outside her home in Ban Sopkang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The remote and roadless village of Ban Sopkang is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2178cc_1.jpg
  • A woman smoking a homemade cigarette, clears land for growing banana trees in the recently temporarily relocated Laoseng ethnic minority village of Ban Phouxoum. Ban Phouxoum will be joined with three other Laoseng villages following the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6.
    A0024696cc_1.jpg
  • A Small Flower Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her traditional clothing, harvests rice, Gao Yuan village, Guizhou province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    110-09_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Small Flower Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her traditional clothing, harvesting rice, Gao Yuan village, Guizhou, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    108-02_1.jpg
  • A handmade child's bib made by Hmong ethnic minority women for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A 5748_1_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority girl prepares river weed collected from the Nam Ou river, Ban Moungava, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For families living away from the main roads and markets, food caught or collected from the wild, especially edible plants and small animals still make up fifty per cent of their diet.  Nature’s bounty in providing for the Lao may be plentiful, but this does not mean that the task of growing and finding enough food for family subsistence and maintenance is easy. It is a major preoccupation of rural families and takes the bulk of time and energy of every man, woman and child.
    L1080216cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman prepares wild vegetables for cooking using a wooden pestle and mortar in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phoumeuang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phoumeuang will soon be relocated away from the Nam Ou river due to construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6.
    A0024755cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman travels in a local boat along the Nam Ou river to the her home in roadless village of Phou-Yot, three hours walk from the river, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR
    A0024680cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman returns to the old village to collect firewood after her village of Ban Watai has been temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024675cc_1.jpg
  • A Yi woman wearing her traditional clothing cooks over an open fire in her kitchen, Ma Long village, Yunnan province, China. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    379-16_1.jpg
  • A handmade child's bib made by a Hmong ethnic minority woman for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A 5753_1_1.jpg
  • A Tai Dam ethnic minority woman walks with her cows along the road at the end of the day, Ban Pasak, Luang Namtha province, Lao P.DR
    32-07_1_1.jpg
  • An Akha ethnic minority woman winnows rice on a bamboo basket to get rid of the debris before cooking, Ban Phou Yae village, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR
    12-10_1_1.jpg
  • An Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman spins cotton whilst waiting for the tractor to transport the bags of rice back to the village, Ban Nam Hin, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Akha women utilise every spare moment of the day to get something accomplished and can often be seen spinning cotton or embroidering a jacket everywhere from working on the farm to foraging in the forest.
    A0019917cc_1.jpg
  • A young boy runs through the Akha Cherpia ethnic minority village of Ban Cha Wang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Remote and isolated and accessible only by motorcycle or on foot, Ban Cha Wang has recently received electricity for the first time from solar panels.
    A0019780cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Laoseng ethnic minority woman and her grand-daughter prepare river weed collected from the Nam Ou river, Ban Moungava, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For families living away from the main roads and markets, food caught or collected from the wild, especially edible plants and small animals still make up fifty per cent of their diet.  Nature’s bounty in providing for the Lao may be plentiful, but this does not mean that the task of growing and finding enough food for family subsistence and maintenance is easy. It is a major preoccupation of rural families and takes the bulk of time and energy of every man, woman and child.
    L1080214cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority man carries a bamboo house wall to the new village from the old village of Ban Phoumeuang  which is being temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    L1080171cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman carries firewood in a traditional bamboo basket to the new village from the old village of Ban Phoumeuang  which is being temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    L1080130cc_1.jpg
  • Red painted lettering on the wall of the village chief's house in the remote and roadless Laoseng ethnic minority village of Ban Phoumeuang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phoumeuang will soon be temporarily relocating away from the Nam Ou river and will be joined with three other Laoseng villages following the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6.
    L1080097cc_1.jpg
  • Two Laoseng ethnic minority boys, Sone (13) and Sengpheth (10) push a boat through a channel made by the local boatmen to assist navigation of the Nam Ou river during the dry season when the river level is low, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024713cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman sits in a local boat waiting to travel along the Nam Ou river to the her home in the roadless village of Phou-Yot, three hours walk from the river, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR
    A0024679cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman returns to the old village to collect firewood after her village of Ban Watai has been temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024666cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority man carries a piece of metal roofing material through the old village to his village of Ban Watai has been temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024588cc_1.jpg
  • A handmade hanging decoration made by Yao ethnic minority women for selling to tourists in Ban Nammy village, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR.
    A_8984_1_1.jpg
  • A handmade hanging decoration made by Yao ethnic minority women for selling to tourists in Ban Nammy village, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR.
    A 5735_1_1.jpg
  • Four Akha Pouli ethnic minority girls in the village of Ban Huayana Khang, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR
    13-05_1_1.jpg
  • View of Ban Lao Khao Akha Pouli ethnic minority village and the plain of Muang Sing, Luang Namtha Province, Lao PDR
    08-07_1_1.jpg
  • An Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman spins cotton whilst waiting for the tractor to transport the bags of rice back to the village, Ban Nam Hin, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Akha women utilise every spare moment of the day to get something accomplished and can often be seen spinning cotton or embroidering a jacket everywhere from working on the farm to foraging in the forest.
    A0019920cc_1.jpg
  • A view of the Mouchi ethnic minority village of Ban Terka, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.
    A0018945cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman, carrying grass in a bamboo basket for making a house roof, spins cotton whilst walking back to the village, Ban Chakhampa, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Akha women utilise every spare moment of the day to get something accomplished and can often be seen spinning cotton or embroidering a jacket everywhere from working on the farm to foraging in the forest.
    A0016317cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority woman on 26th March 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings
    DSCF6742cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Khi / Lisu ethnic minority woman looking outside of the window of her bamboo house on 20th January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region
    DSCF3294cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayah Red Karen ethnic minority woman on 18th January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region. Kayah women wear a simple black tunic worn with a broad white sash decorated with coloured tassles and a striped hand-woven head-cloth
    DSCF3088cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of two Kayah Red Karen ethnic minority women on 18th January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region. Kayah women wear a simple red tunic worn with a broad white sash decorated with coloured tassles and a striped hand-woven head-cloth
    A0032628cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority woman with her grand-daughters on 26th March 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings
    DSCF6733cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority woman on 26th March 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings
    DSCF6741cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority woman on 26th March 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings
    DSCF6726cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority woman on 26th March 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings
    DSCF6694cc_1_1.jpg
  • Close up of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority womans brass leg rings on 23rd January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings. It is very unusual to see a woman wearing brass leg rings  It is very unusual to see a woman wearing brass leg rings photo by Tessa Bunney/In Pictures via Getty Images
    DSCF6038cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority woman and a young child drinking millet wine on 23rd January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings
    DSCF6037cc_1_1.jpg
  • Close up of a Kayan Padaung ethnic minority womans brass leg rings on 23rd January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups. There are over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the region including the Kayan who are perhaps the best known due to the traditional practice of the Kayan women extending their necks with brass rings. It is very unusual to see a woman wearing brass leg rings
    DSCF6035cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayah ethnic minority woman on 22nd March 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region. Kayah women wear a simple tunic worn with a broad white sash decorated with coloured tassles and a striped hand-woven head-cloth
    DSCF5946cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Khi / Lisu ethnic minority woman on 20th January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region
    DSCF3310cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Khi / Lisu ethnic minority woman on 20th January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region
    DSCF3284cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Yinbaw ethnic minority woman on 20th January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region. Yinbaw womens traditional costume is mainly black with brightly coloured pom-poms and similarly decorated head-dresses
    DSCF3272cc_1_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Kayah Red Karen ethnic minority woman on 18th January 2016 in Kayah State, Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia with 135 different indigenous ethnic groups with over a dozen ethnic Karenni subgroups in the Kayah region. Kayah women wear a simple red tunic worn with a broad white sash decorated with coloured tassles and a striped hand-woven head-cloth
    DSCF3123cc_1_1.jpg
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