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  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk fabric on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The resulting fabric is used to make the traditional sarong style skirt worn by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the Vietnamese government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027613cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027567cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027558cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027540cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves a traditional belt using a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The belt is worn with a traditional sarong style skirt by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027486cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027516cc_1.jpg
  • A skein of home-produced indigo-dyed cotton in the Tai Lue village of Ban Nayang Tai, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR.
    A0013126_1.jpg
  • A skein of natural home-produced cotton in the Tai Dam village of Ban Na Kok, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR.
    A0011030_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk fabric on a back-strap loom at home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The resulting fabric is used to make the traditional sarong style skirt worn by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    S0153385cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt creates a fringe on a piece of narrow handwoven cotton and silk fabric outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The fabric is used as a decoration during Cham religous ceremonies. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    DSCF3875cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk fabric on a back-strap loom at home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The resulting fabric is used to make the traditional sarong style skirt worn by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027939cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk fabric on a back-strap loom at home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The resulting fabric is used to make the traditional sarong style skirt worn by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    DSCF3311cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt creates a fringe on a piece of narrow handwoven cotton and silk fabric outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The fabric is used as a decoration during Cham religous ceremonies. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027931cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027619cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027617cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027560cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk thread on a back-strap loom at home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027552cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027544cc rt_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027513cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027509cc_1.jpg
  • A skein of natural home-produced silk in the Tai Dam village of Ban Na Kok, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR.
    A0011034_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 Hindu Cham woman wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt creates a fringe on a piece of narrow handwoven cotton and silk fabric outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The fabric is used as a decoration during Cham religous ceremonies. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    DSCF3881cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk fabric on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The resulting fabric is used to make the traditional sarong style skirt worn by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027600cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk fabric on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The resulting fabric is used to make the traditional sarong style skirt worn by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027578cc_1.jpg
  • Handspun cotton prepared for ‘mutmee’ or tie-dyeing in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing.
    DSCF2808cc_1.jpg
  • Indigo dyed handspun cotton hanging to dry in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing. Although only plainweave, the weaving is slow as each weft row needs to be lined up to maintain the pattern.
    DSCF2747cc_1.jpg
  • Daw Mu Htan picking cotton and removing the seeds in the ethnic Kayan village of Lo Ka Na village, Panpet, Kayah State, Myanmar on 13th November 2016. 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 . 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 photo by Tessa Bunney/In Pictures via Getty Images
    A0034943cc_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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Liana or jungle vine wound round a bamboo stick from the Khmu village of Ban Pia Huanam, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. Liana vine makes a strong fibre for ‘crocheting’ into a traditional bag used by men and women for carrying items to and from the fields. Liana vine or ‘piat’ in Lao, is harvested from the forest, although these days it is becoming more difficult to find and many woman now use colourful synthetic thread.
    A0013413_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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 Tai Lue ethnic minority woman holds a skein of cotton, Ban Napa, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR.  The Tai Lue are known as expert weavers particularly of cotton which they cultivate locally.
    A0019517cc_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
  • 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 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
  • Ball of hemp fibre (cannabis sativa) in the Hmong Lai village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly 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 Lai women use for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2240cc_1.jpg
  • Ball of hemp fibre (cannabis sativa) in the Hmong Lai village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly 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 Lai women use for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2225cc_1.jpg
  • After being boiled in ash water and washed in the river, a hemp skein is dried outside in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026631cc_1.jpg
  • After boiling in ash water to turn the hemp yarn a white colour, the skeins of hemp fibre are washed in the Nam Khiew river (a tributary of the Nam Kang), Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026493cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman twisting lengths of hemp bark together to form one long yarn, Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026446cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026402cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman holding indigo leaves and a piece of indigo dyed hemp fabric, Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The traditional Hmong skirt is made from hand woven hemp (cannabis sativa), decorated with batik (a wax resist technique) and dyed with indigo. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0025913cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, an elderly Hmong woman winds balls of hemp into one roll outside her home in Ban Chalern, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2207cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, an elderly Hmong woman winds balls of hemp into one roll outside her home in Ban Chalern, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2196cc_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
  • 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
  • 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, 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 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
  • 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
  • An elderly blind Hmong woman twisting lengths of hemp bark together to form one long yarn, Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026659cc_1.jpg
  • After the hemp skeins are boiled in ash water and washed in the river, a Hmong woman wrings the water out of the hemp fibre in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026613cc_1.jpg
  • After the hemp skeins are boiled in ash water and washed in the river, a Hmong woman wrings the water out of the hemp fibre in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026589cc_1.jpg
  • After boiling in ash water to turn the hemp yarn a white colour, the skeins of hemp fibre are washed in the Nam Khiew river (a tributary of the Nam Kang), Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026498cc_1.jpg
  • Spools of hemp fibre (cannabis sativa), Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0025890cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman reeling hemp fibre (cannabis sativa) onto spools using a foot treadle, Ban Tatong, Phongsaly 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. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0025887cc_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
  • A skein of spliced hemp from Qie Chong village, 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 Provinces.
    A 5006_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."
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  • 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."
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  • A family eat healthy, energy-giving bananas while visiting central London, on 29th September 2016, in central London, England. Bananas contain high levels of vitamin C, Potassium, antioxidants and fibre and is a beneficial food for Cardiovascular health. Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world grown in at least 107 countries and are ranked fourth among the worlds food crops in monetary value.
    eating_bananas-03-29-09-2016.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
  • Handspun cotton hanging to dry in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Cotton has been grown in Laos for centuries, mostly on a small scale for household use. The people of the Phu Tai ethnic group have a long standing tradition of cotton production which they hand weave for clothing and household use. Cotton is planted by hand and watered by the monsoon rains. It takes 8 months for the plant to produce the cotton flower, then it is picked by hand, ginned by hand and then spun into yarn by hand.
    DSCF2811cc_1.jpg
  • Handspun cotton hanging to dry in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Cotton has been grown in Laos for centuries, mostly on a small scale for household use. The people of the Phu Tai ethnic group have a long standing tradition of cotton production which they hand weave for clothing and household use. Cotton is planted by hand and watered by the monsoon rains. It takes 8 months for the plant to produce the cotton flower, then it is picked by hand, ginned by hand and then spun into yarn by hand.
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  • Daw Mu Htan picking cotton in the ethnic Kayan village of Lo Ka Na village, Panpet, Kayah State, Myanmar on 13th November 2016. 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
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  • A woman threads her loom at a weaving workshop in Inpawkhone, a village of stilt houses on Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar (Burma). The fabric will be woven out of a combination of lotus plant fibres and silk.
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  • An elderly woman spins lotus plant fibre at In Paw Khone, a village of stilt houses on Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar (Burma). The thread will be used for making woven textiles out of a combination of lotus plant fibres and silk.  Lotus textiles are one of the most expensive textiles in the world. After picking, the fibres are extracted by pulling out, twisting and handrolling together with water and then spun, washed and woven into fabric, an extremely labour intensive process.
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  • A Tai Deng woman preparing cotton bolls for exporting to Vietnam, Ban Naphonesouk, Houaphan province, Lao PDR
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Cotton picked from the Tai Lue village of Ban Napa, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. The Tai Lue are known as expert weavers particularly of cotton which they cultivate locally.
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  • The Tai Lue are known as experts in cotton cultivation.  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 Nayang Tai, Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR. In Ban Nayang Tai every family has a loom under their stilted home and every family cultivates cotton for weaving into cloth. Girls learn to weave from a young age, having spent years watching and assisting their mothers and female relatives with ginning, spinning and dyeing.
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  • A traditional Khmu bag made from Liana 'jungle' vine. Khmu women twist Liana vine to make into a strong fibre for ‘crocheting’ into a traditional bag used by men and women for carrying items to and from the fields. Liana vine or ‘piat’ in Lao, is harvested from the forest, although these days it is becoming more difficult to find and many woman now use colourful synthetic thread.
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  • Liana 'jungle' vine (piat/piad in Lao) wound round a bamboo stick. Akha women twist Liana vine to make into a strong fibre for ‘crocheting’ into a traditional bag used by men and women for carrying items to and from the fields. Liana vine or ‘piat’ in Lao, is harvested from the forest, although these days it is becoming more difficult to find and many woman now use colourful synthetic thread.
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  • Liana or jungle vine wound round a bamboo stick from the Akha Pouli village of Ban Lao Khao, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. Liana vine makes a strong fibre for ‘crocheting’ into a traditional bag used by men and women for carrying items to and from the fields. Liana vine or ‘piat’ in Lao, is harvested from the forest, although these days it is becoming more difficult to find and many woman now use colourful synthetic thread.
    A 6579 rt_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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Cotton picked from the Tai Lue village of Ban Napa, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. The Tai Lue are known as expert weavers particularly of cotton which they cultivate locally.
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  • 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.
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  • Harvesting cotton in the Tai Lue village of Ban Napa, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. Cotton picked from the Tai Lue village of Ban Napa, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. The Tai Lue are known as expert weavers particularly of cotton which they cultivate locally.
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  • Harvesting cotton in the Tai Lue village of Ban Napa, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. Cotton picked from the Tai Lue village of Ban Napa, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. The Tai Lue are known as expert weavers particularly of cotton which they cultivate locally.
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  • A Ko Loma ethnic minority woman weaves home grown, organic cotton fabric on a basic loom outside her home in Chalakao, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  In some areas, Loma women still grow, gin and spin cotton into thread and set up their looms outdoors for weaving cotton. 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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  • An Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman prepares to begin weaving homegrown cotton on her loom outside her home in Ban Phi Mayai village, 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.
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