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  • 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
  • Pheng dyeing homegrown cotton in an indigo dye bath in traditional ceramic pots in the Tai Lue village of Ban Viengkao, Sayaboury province, Lao PDR. Indigo dye is made from the fresh leaves and stem of the indigo plant which are fermented and then mixed with limestone to turn it the distinctive blue colour. 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.
    A0029157cc_1.jpg
  • Pheng prepares an indigo dye bath in traditional ceramic pots for dyeing cotton fabric in the Tai Lue village of Ban Viengkao, Sayaboury province, Lao PDR. Indigo dye is made from the fresh leaves and stem of the indigo plant which are fermented and then mixed with limestone to turn it the distinctive blue colour. 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.
    A0029154cc_1.jpg
  • Pheng prepares an indigo dye bath in traditional ceramic pots for dyeing cotton skeins in the Tai Lue village of Ban Viengkao, Sayaboury province, Lao PDR. Indigo dye is made from the fresh leaves and stem of the indigo plant which are fermented and then mixed with limestone to turn it the distinctive blue colour. 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.
    A0029159cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique in Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021476cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021474cc_1.jpg
  • Mrs Kampheng dyes a skein of cotton blue with an indigo natural dye, Naxang village, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR.  Indigo dye is made from the fresh leaves and stem of the indigo plant which are fermented and then mixed with limestone to turn it the distinctive blue colour.
    A0009725cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021483cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique in Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021476cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman decorates woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    DSCF2455cc_1.jpg
  • Nan Ya, a Hmong Leng ethnic minority woman decorates the woven hemp fabric by batik, a wax resist technique, Thien Pha, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Bees’ wax is collected from the forest, heated in small metal pots and mixed with indigo paste (which colours the wax and makes it easier to see on the cloth). A bamboo pen with a metal nib is used for drawing the wax onto the hemp. The wax marks will resist the dye when the cloth is dipped in the indigo dye bath and left to dry. After the last dye bath has been completed, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax. The resulting fabric is an indigo blue colour with white designs and is the base for cotton applique and colourful embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process which the Hmong women make into skirts for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021474cc_1.jpg
  • 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 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 Hmong woman holding indigo leaves for dyeing 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.
    A0025914cc_1.jpg
  • Master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras preparing an indigo dye bath in the Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 27 November 2018
    DSCF9442cc_1.jpg
  • Curtain naturally dyed with indigo at a window in studio of master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras in the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 24 November 2018.   November 2018.  photo by Tessa Bunney/In Pictures via Getty Images
    DSCF4710_1.jpg
  • Indigo dyed cotton for weaving a mutmee/tie dye design 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.
    A0032493cc_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 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 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 (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
  • Using a gourd scoop, an Akha Oma woman prepares an indigo dye bath for dyeing handwoven cotton for making into traditional clothing. The Oma are one of Laos’ smallest ethnic groups with only a few villages in Phongsaly Province. Cotton growers, indigo dyers and exquisite embroiderers result in traditional clothing being both colourful and unique. 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.
    A0019289cc_1.jpg
  • 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 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
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • The hand of master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras covered in indigo dust in her natural dyes studio in the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 25 November 2018
    DSCF4827cc_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
  • 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
  • Master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras  preparing indigo using a metate grinding stone in the Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 27 November 2018
    DSCF9422cc_1.jpg
  • Master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras preparing indigo using a metate grinding stone in the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 25 November 2018
    DSCF4811cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha ethnic minority woman wearing traditional clothing made from home grown, indigo dyed cotton outside her home, Ban Lakham, 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.
    DSCF4578cc_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 it to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    A0026954cc_1.jpg
  • Sonam Wangmo dyeing wild silk with indigo outside her home in Radhi, Eastern Bhutan. Radhi village is famous for fine raw silk and bura textiles made using traditional back-strap loom and natural dyes.
    A0030260cc_1.jpg
  • Master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras  preparing an indigo dye bath in the Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 27 November 2018
    DSCF9432cc_1.jpg
  • Master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras  preparing indigo using a metate grinding stone in the Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 27 November 2018
    DSCF9414cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional clothing, Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman boils indigo dyed cotton fabric in Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    A0027015cc_1.jpg
  • 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
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman removing a length of indigo dyed cotton fabric from a vat of Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) used to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    A0026973cc_1.jpg
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman dyeing cotton fabric with indigo dye, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour to a dark blue/black she sells it to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    A0026957cc_1.jpg
  • Master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras dyeing wool with indigo in the Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico on 29 November 2018
    DSCF5191cc_1.jpg
  • Master dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras  preparing indigo using a metate grinding stone in the Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico on 27 November 2018
    DSCF4918cc_1.jpg
  • A 15 year old married Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman sewing outside her home in Ban Pang Hok Kao village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  She is wearing the Akha Nuquie traditional costume made from hand woven cotton and dyed with indigo and decoarated with hand embroidery typical of the Akha Nuquie sub-group; the high headdress distinguishes her as a married women. 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.
    A0013871cc_1.jpg
  • Yua, a Hmong Du woman wears her traditional skirt made from hand woven hemp (cannabis sativa), decorated with batik (a wax resist technique) and dyed with indigo, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The batik motif is the basis for hand stitched cotton appliqué and embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021361cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a 15 year old married Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman sewing outside her home in Ban Pang Hok Kao village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  She is wearing the Akha Nuquie traditional costume made from hand woven cotton and dyed with indigo and decoarated with hand embroidery typical of the Akha Nuquie sub-group; the high headdress distinguishes her as a married women. 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.
    A0013863cc_1.jpg
  • Young female Guatemalan woman using the traditional natural indigo dyeing process to make textiles, in San Juan La Laguna - one of the villages on the banks of Lake Atitlan. It is smaller than many of the other towns and with many pess toruists, which has allowed it to preserve much of its traditional culture, which is making textiles with natural dyes. Lake Atitlan is seen as the most important single tourist attraction in Guatemala; and is Central Americas deepest lake. There are many villages on the banks of the lake; each with different identity and culture; the majority of the population in the region identify as indigenous Maya and many still wear traditional dress and speak Maya languages.
    _MG_0200_1 1.jpg
  • Master Dyer Juana Gutierrez Contreras hanging out wool dyed with indigo in the Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico on 29 November 2018
    DSCF5177cc_1.jpg
  • In the remote and roadless Akha Nuquie village of Ban Peryenxangkao freshly harvested roof grass and indigo dyed cotton hang out to dry, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Lying in a cleared patch of the surrounding forest, typical Akha villages have houses which are made of bamboo and wood with thatched roofs and house 'horns' although increasingly houses now have corregated iron roofs. The Akha favour remote locations above the plains and valleys, generally 1000-1500 m high where there is plenty of forest cover.
    DSCF4679cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of Lo Mia, an young Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman, Ban Nam Hin, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. She is wearing part of her tradition costume (headwear) and handwoven cotton indigo dyed mini-skirt along with a modern pink Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. 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.
    A0019088cc_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
  • Portrait of an Akha Oma ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing; Ban Sala Aebe, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Oma are one of Laos’ smallest ethnic groups with only a few villages in Phongsaly Province. Cotton growers, indigo dyers and exquisite embroiderers result in traditional clothing being both colourful and unique. 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.
    A0013823cc_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 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
  • Yua, a Hmong Du woman wears her traditional skirt made from hand woven hemp (cannabis sativa), decorated with batik (a wax resist technique) and dyed with indigo, Ban Vieng Hang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The batik motif is the basis for hand stitched cotton appliqué and embroidery. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong Du women make into skirts, for their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0021361cc_1.jpg
  • Young female Guatemalan woman using the traditional natural indigo dyeing process to make textiles, in San Juan La Laguna - one of the villages on the banks of Lake Atitlan. It is smaller than many of the other towns and with many pess toruists, which has allowed it to preserve much of its traditional culture, which is making textiles with natural dyes. Lake Atitlan is seen as the most important single tourist attraction in Guatemala; and is Central Americas deepest lake. There are many villages on the banks of the lake; each with different identity and culture; the majority of the population in the region identify as indigenous Maya and many still wear traditional dress and speak Maya languages.
    _MG_0206_1.jpg
  • Young female Guatemalan woman using the traditional natural indigo dyeing process to make textiles, in San Juan La Laguna - one of the villages on the banks of Lake Atitlan. It is smaller than many of the other towns and with many pess toruists, which has allowed it to preserve much of its traditional culture, which is making textiles with natural dyes. Lake Atitlan is seen as the most important single tourist attraction in Guatemala; and is Central Americas deepest lake. There are many villages on the banks of the lake; each with different identity and culture; the majority of the population in the region identify as indigenous Maya and many still wear traditional dress and speak Maya languages.
    _MG_0204_1.jpg
  • Young female Guatemalan woman using the traditional natural indigo dyeing process to make textiles, in San Juan La Laguna - one of the villages on the banks of Lake Atitlan. It is smaller than many of the other towns and with many pess toruists, which has allowed it to preserve much of its traditional culture, which is making textiles with natural dyes. Lake Atitlan is seen as the most important single tourist attraction in Guatemala; and is Central Americas deepest lake. There are many villages on the banks of the lake; each with different identity and culture; the majority of the population in the region identify as indigenous Maya and many still wear traditional dress and speak Maya languages.
    _MG_0184_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
  • An Akha Nuquie woman wearing her traditional costume on her way to back to the village of Ban Peryenxangmai with a roll of banana leaves collected from the forest, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The forest around an Akha village provides its inhabitants with a number of essential products including firewood, food and building materials.
    DSCF4676cc_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
  • An Akha Nuquie woman sews traditional clothing with her young daughter by her side in Ban Nam Sa 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. 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.
    A0014064cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of an Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman sitting inside her home in Ban Poulee Kow 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.
    A_11248cc_1.jpg
  • Che Le, an Akha Puxo ethnic minority woman sits outside her wooden home in Ban Nam Yang 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.
    A_11207cc_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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Portrait of two Akha Nuquie women wearing traditional clothing on their way to back to the village of Ban Peryenxangmai carrying firewood collected from the surrounding forest, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The forest around an Akha village provides its inhabitants with a number of essential products including firewood, food and building materials.
    DSCF4697cc_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
  • 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 Ko Loma ethnic minority woman sews traditional clothing in her home, Ban Lao Leo, 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.
    A0015608cc_1.jpg
  • After ginning (removing the seeds), an Akha Cherpia woman wearing traditional clothing rolls cotton into straw-like shapes to make it easy to spin, Ban Phi Mayai, 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.
    A0014293cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of an Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman sewing traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Nam Hin 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.
    A0014278cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman sews traditonal clothing whilst breastfeeding her baby son in Ban Nam Sa 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.
    A0014238cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for red cotton applique and colourful cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026828cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for pink cotton applique and colour cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026749cc_1.jpg
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2011 Docklands canary wharf estate isle of dogs docklands London.
    11-CanaryWharf-8581.jpg
  • 2011 Docklands canary wharf estate isle of dogs docklands London.
    11-CanaryWharf-8575.jpg
  • 2011 Docklands canary wharf estate isle of dogs docklands London.
    11-CanaryWharf-8568.jpg
  • 2011 Docklands canary wharf estate isle of dogs docklands London.
    11-CanaryWharf-8539.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 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
  • A rainbow flag is a multi-colored flag consisting of stripes in the colors of the rainbow. The actual colors shown differ, but many of the designs are based on the traditional scheme of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Sometimes called 'the freedom flag', was popularized as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and diversity by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The different colors symbolize diversity in the gay community
    20100531rainbow flagB.jpg
  • An Akha woman dressed in traditional clothing made from handspun indigo dyed cotton at a wedding in Ban Lang Pa village, 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.
    DSCF4690cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha woman dressed in traditional clothing made from handspun indigo dyed cotton at a wedding in Ban Lang Pa village, 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.
    DSCF4675cc_1 (1).jpg
  • Portrait of a young Akha Nuquie woman wearing her traditional clothing at home in Ban Chakhampa, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Her traditional costume is made from hand woven cotton and dyed with indigo and decoarated with hand embroidery typical of the Akha Nuquie sub-group; the high headdress distinguishes her as a married women. 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.
    A0031138cc_1.jpg
  • A rainbow flag is a multi-colored flag consisting of stripes in the colors of the rainbow. The actual colors shown differ, but many of the designs are based on the traditional scheme of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Sometimes called 'the freedom flag', was popularized as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and diversity by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The different colors symbolize diversity in the gay community
    20100531rainbow flagA.jpg
  • Akha women dressed in their traditional clothing made from handspun indigo dyed cotton at a wedding in Ban Lang Pa village, 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.
    DSCF4701cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha woman dressed in traditional clothing made from handspun indigo dyed cotton at a wedding in Ban Lang Pa village, 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.
    DSCF4688cc_1.jpg
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