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  • Mu Ze Latso a Mo Suo minority,  with friend go shopping for groceries in Yongning town’s market, in northwest Yunnan Province close to Sichuan and Tibetatn border.<br />
<br />
Mo Su people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Su traditions. minority,  with friend go shopping for groceries in Yongning town’s market, in northwest Yunnan Province close to Sichuan and Tibetatn border.<br />
<br />
Mo Su people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walkin
    chilugu_012-2_1.jpg
  • Mu Ze Latso, 22, shares a joke and an intimate moment with her mother Mu Ze Namu, they belong to the Mo Suo minority / tribe from Lugu Lake, northwest Yunnan province.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Suo traditions.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room
    chilugu_048_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority family take a break from collecting the harvested glutinous rice on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019767cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman taking a break from collecting the harvested glutinous rice on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019748cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019728cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019715cc_1.jpg
  • A pregnant White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019686cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019665cc_1.jpg
  • A pregnant White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019687cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman sews traditional clothing outside her home, Ban Nam Chang, Bokeo province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    29-01_1_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman holds a reel of hand spun cotton, Ban Nam Lue, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    22-05_1_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman rolling cotton, Ban Nam Dee, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    04-10_1_1.jpg
  • Mu Ze Latso with a friend, also from the Mo Suo minority visit a Buddhist temple in Yongning town, north west Yunnan Province, close to Tibetan and Sichuan border.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Suo traditions.
    chilugu_049_1.jpg
  • Mu Ze Latso a Mo Suo minority,  with friend go shopping for groceries in Yongning town’s market, in northwest Yunnan Province close to Sichuan and Tibetatn border.<br />
<br />
Mo Su people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Su traditions.
    chilugu_010-2_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019611cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019596cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019587rtcc_1.jpg
  • Mu Ze Latso, 22,  at home with her parents, Lugu Lake, northwest Yunnan province.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Suo traditions.
    chilugu_039_1.jpg
  • Tan, a Tai Lue ethnic minority man holds a fish he has caught in the river and then smoked over an open fire, Ban Bo Ha village, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR.  For families living away from the main roads and markets, food caught or collected from the wild, especially edible plants and small animals still make up fifty per cent of their diet.  Nature’s bounty in providing for the Lao may be plentiful, but this does not mean that the task of growing and finding enough food for family subsistence and maintenance is easy. It is a major preoccupation of rural families and takes the bulk of time and energy of every man, woman and child.
    A0011010cc_1.jpg
  • A Naxi ethnic minority woman takes a chicken as a present for a new baby, Wen Hai Xia village, Yunnan Province, China. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    361-13_1.jpg
  • A portrait of a Pumi ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing in her home, Lin Chang village, Yunnan Province, China. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    331-01_1.jpg
  • Portrait of Xi Le Li, a Hani ethnic minority woman wearing traditional clothing in Gan Pai Da Zhai village, Yunnan province, China. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    70-16_1.jpg
  • An Aini ethnic minority woman sewing her traditional clothing outside her home in Xiang Dao Ya village. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    61-07_1.jpg
  • A Miao/Hmong ethnic minority woman wearing a modern printed traditional style pleated skirt stands with a wild animal which has been caught in a trap, San Yao San village, Yunnan Province, China. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    60-15_1.jpg
  • The bedroom of a young married Yao man and Yi woman in Xin Shan (Yao) village, Yunnan province, China. Until recently it was uncommon for a couple from different ethnic minority groups to get married. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    59-07_1.jpg
  • An elderly Bai ethnic minority woman makes a bamboo basket for carrying vegetables in her home, Xizhou, Yunnan Province, China. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    385-09_1.jpg
  • A Miao/Hmong ethnic minority woman carries a baby and a pair rice beaters on her way back from threshing rice. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    60-13_1.jpg
  • An Aini ethnic minority woman sits on a bed with a young boy in her home in Xiang Dao Ya village. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    56-18_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority woman with her baby outside her home in Ban Sopkang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The remote and roadless village of Ban Sopkang is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2186cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Small Flower Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her traditional clothing, in her home Gao Yuan village, Guizhou, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    107-07_1.jpg
  • Wearing a traditional hemp skirt, a Big Flowery Miao ethnic minority woman harvests hemp, Qie Chong village, Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is needed for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    086-12_1.jpg
  • Mu Ze Latso, a Mo Suo minority girl returns home with a large basket strapped to her back containing the algae from the lake which she will then feed to her animals.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Suo traditions.
    chilugu_033_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority woman with her baby and other children outside her home in Ban Sopkang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The remote and roadless village of Ban Sopkang is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2183cc_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority woman with her baby outside her home in Ban Sopkang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The remote and roadless village of Ban Sopkang is situated along the Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    DSCF2178cc_1.jpg
  • A Miao ethnic minority woman from Weng Xiang village sews part of her traditional costume, Guizhou Province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    121-08_1.jpg
  • Qing Miao (Long Horn Miao) ethnic minority woman splices hemp in Longga village (Ghao Xin), Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is need for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    106-06_1.jpg
  • A Qing Miao (Long Horn Miao) ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional costume sews outside her home in Longga village (Ghao Xin), Guizhou province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    105-04_1.jpg
  • A Bai Xing style Miao ethnic minority woman wearing her heavily decorated traditional clothing, spins human hair for use in her traditional headdress, Lao Zhai Zi village, Guizhou Province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    100-06_1.jpg
  • A Red-Thread Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her colourful appliqued traditional costume, splices ramie, Yi Xin village, Guizhou province, China. Ramie is one of the oldest fibre crops, having been used for at least six thousand years, and is principally used for fabric production. It is a bast fibre and the part used is the bark of the vegetative stalks. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    092-08_1.jpg
  • 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
  • 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
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman boiling indigo dyed cotton fabric in Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    A0026965cc_1.jpg
  • Meuay, a Iu Mien (Yao) ethnic minority woman 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
  • A Laoseng minority woman prepares rice for cooking outside her home in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phouxoum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phouxoum is situated along the Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) and has been temporarily relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into ‘the battery of Southeast Asia’ by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0025761cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng minority woman winnows rice outside her home in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phouxoum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phouxoum is situated along the Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) and has been temporarily relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into ‘the battery of Southeast Asia’ by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0025759cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng minority woman in the doorway of her home in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phouxoum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phouxoum is situated along the Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) and has been temporarily relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into ‘the battery of Southeast Asia’ by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0025758cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng minority woman smoking a homemade cigarette in her home in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phouxoum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phouxoum is situated along the Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) and has been temporarily relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into ‘the battery of Southeast Asia’ by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0025726cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng minority woman rolling a cigarette in her home in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phouxoum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phouxoum is situated along the Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) and has been temporarily relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into ‘the battery of Southeast Asia’ by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0025718cc_1.jpg
  • A young Laoseng ethnic minority girl prepares river weed collected from the Nam Ou river, Ban Moungava, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For families living away from the main roads and markets, food caught or collected from the wild, especially edible plants and small animals still make up fifty per cent of their diet.  Nature’s bounty in providing for the Lao may be plentiful, but this does not mean that the task of growing and finding enough food for family subsistence and maintenance is easy. It is a major preoccupation of rural families and takes the bulk of time and energy of every man, woman and child.
    L1080216cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman carries firewood in a traditional bamboo basket to the new village from the old village of Ban Phoumeuang  which is being temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    L1080130cc_1.jpg
  • Two Laoseng ethnic minority boys, Sone (13) and Sengpheth (10) push a boat through a channel made by the local boatmen to assist navigation of the Nam Ou river during the dry season when the river level is low, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024713cc_1.jpg
  • A woman smoking a homemade cigarette, clears land for growing banana trees in the recently temporarily relocated Laoseng ethnic minority village of Ban Phouxoum. Ban Phouxoum will be joined with three other Laoseng villages following the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6.
    A0024696cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman travels in a local boat along the Nam Ou river to the her home in roadless village of Phou-Yot, three hours walk from the river, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR
    A0024680cc_1.jpg
  • A handmade child's bib made by Hmong ethnic minority women for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A 5748_1_1.jpg
  • A 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
  • A young Khmu mother washes her young baby in the traditional Khmu way by putting warm water in her mouth and 'spitting' it on the baby, Ban Chaleunsouk, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Khmu are the largest ethnic minority in Laos and belong to the Mon-Khmer sub-branch of the Austroasiatic ethnolinguistic family, who are considered the original inhabitants of Laos. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    38-06_1_1.jpg
  • An Akha ethnic minority woman winnows rice on a bamboo basket to get rid of the debris before cooking, Ban Phou Yae village, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR
    12-10_1_1.jpg
  • A Lanten woman wearing her traditional clothing makes prepares bamboo for making paper which is used during religious ceremonies. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    06-04_1_1.jpg
  • A Lanten woman wearing her traditional clothing makes bamboo paper which is used during religious ceremonies. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    05-09_1_1.jpg
  • A young boy runs through the Akha Cherpia ethnic minority village of Ban Cha Wang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Remote and isolated and accessible only by motorcycle or on foot, Ban Cha Wang has recently received electricity for the first time from solar panels.
    A0019780cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional headdress and a modern t-shirt, a married Mouchi ethnic minority woman stands outside her wooden home in Ban Terka, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0018956cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman, carrying grass in a bamboo basket for making a house roof, spins cotton whilst walking back to the village, Ban Chakhampa, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Akha women utilise every spare moment of the day to get something accomplished and can often be seen spinning cotton or embroidering a jacket everywhere from working on the farm to foraging in the forest.
    A0016317cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Ko Pala ethnic minority woman sewing outside her home in Ban Lao Li village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  She is wearing the Pala traditional headdress typical of the married woman of the Pala ethnic minority and plastic bead. 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.
    A0013647cc_1.jpg
  • Close up of family meal in home close to the shores of Lugu Lake, northwest Yunnan province.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Suo traditions.
    chilugu_026_1.jpg
  • Mu Ze Latso with family have lunch together amid posters of Mao  Zedong and  the Dalai Lama in home close to the shores of Lugu Lake, northwest Yunnan province.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Suo traditions.
    chilugu_024-2_1.jpg
  • Mu Ze Latso  prepares lunch at home amidst hanging corns and posters and photos of the Dalai Lama, in village along the shores of Lugu Lake, northwest Yunnan province.<br />
<br />
Mo Suo people live along LuGu lake, northwest  Yunnan province. Since the population is not big enough, the Chinese government did not assign them as an independent minority. Mo Suo people belongs to the NaXi minority of LiJiang region. Mo Suo people have their own distinctive culture, religion and customs. Most significantly: Mo Suo people do not have a marriage System. Locally, they call their relationships a "walking marriage". <br />
A girl has her ADULT ceremony when she is 14, then she can start to wear the Mo Su costume and the family will give her a room that is called “Flower room”.<br />
Logically, she is allowed to take her boyfriend, since Mo Su family carries on by the mother's name, the son and the daughter stay with mother their whole lifes.<br />
When they are adults, the girl chooses her boyfriend. The boyfriend come to sleep in her room in the evening and leave for his mother's home in the morning. He belongs to his mother's family. She belongs to her mother's family, her children will be taken care of by her family: her mother, uncle, aunts, or sisters and brothers. Her children do not belongs to the boyfriend's family.<br />
Normally, the mother will pass her "power" to her eldest daughter when she is old and thus perpetuate the Mo Suo traditions.
    chilugu_022_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
  • 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
  • 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 boiling indigo dyed cotton fabric in Mak Bao (a trailing forest fruit) to fix the colour, Ban Hom Phan, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Meuay buys the cotton fabric from a nearby Tai Deng village and after dyeing the fabric many times to build up the colour she sells it to local Iu Mien women to make their traditional clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    A0026954cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng minority woman prepares rice for cooking outside her home in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phouxoum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phouxoum is situated along the Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) and has been temporarily relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into ‘the battery of Southeast Asia’ by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0025756cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Laoseng ethnic minority woman and her grand-daughter prepare river weed collected from the Nam Ou river, Ban Moungava, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For families living away from the main roads and markets, food caught or collected from the wild, especially edible plants and small animals still make up fifty per cent of their diet.  Nature’s bounty in providing for the Lao may be plentiful, but this does not mean that the task of growing and finding enough food for family subsistence and maintenance is easy. It is a major preoccupation of rural families and takes the bulk of time and energy of every man, woman and child.
    L1080214cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority man carries a bamboo house wall to the new village from the old village of Ban Phoumeuang  which is being temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    L1080171cc_1.jpg
  • Red painted lettering on the wall of the village chief's house in the remote and roadless Laoseng ethnic minority village of Ban Phoumeuang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phoumeuang will soon be temporarily relocating away from the Nam Ou river and will be joined with three other Laoseng villages following the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6.
    L1080097cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman prepares wild vegetables for cooking using a wooden pestle and mortar in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phoumeuang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Ban Phoumeuang will soon be relocated away from the Nam Ou river due to construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6.
    A0024755cc_1.jpg
  • Afternoon at the Nam Ou riverside in the remote and roadless Laoseng minority village of Ban Phoumeuang, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024740cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman sits in a local boat waiting to travel along the Nam Ou river to the her home in the roadless village of Phou-Yot, three hours walk from the river, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR
    A0024679cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman returns to the old village to collect firewood after her village of Ban Watai has been temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024675cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority woman returns to the old village to collect firewood after her village of Ban Watai has been temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024666cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng ethnic minority man carries a piece of metal roofing material through the old village to his village of Ban Watai has been temporarily relocated away from the Nam Ou river, during the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 6, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0024588cc_1.jpg
  • A Small Flower Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her traditional clothing, harvests rice, Gao Yuan village, Guizhou province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    110-09_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Small Flower Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her traditional clothing, harvesting rice, Gao Yuan village, Guizhou, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    108-02_1.jpg
  • A handmade hanging decoration made by Yao ethnic minority women for selling to tourists in Ban Nammy village, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR.
    A_8984_1_1.jpg
  • 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 handmade child's bib made by a Hmong ethnic minority woman for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A 5753_1_1.jpg
  • A 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 Tai Dam ethnic minority woman walks with her cows along the road at the end of the day, Ban Pasak, Luang Namtha province, Lao P.DR
    32-07_1_1.jpg
  • 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
  • Four Akha Pouli ethnic minority girls in the village of Ban Huayana Khang, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR
    13-05_1_1.jpg
  • View of Ban Lao Khao Akha Pouli ethnic minority village and the plain of Muang Sing, Luang Namtha Province, Lao PDR
    08-07_1_1.jpg
  • An Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman spins cotton whilst waiting for the tractor to transport the bags of rice back to the village, Ban Nam Hin, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Akha women utilise every spare moment of the day to get something accomplished and can often be seen spinning cotton or embroidering a jacket everywhere from working on the farm to foraging in the forest.
    A0019920cc_1.jpg
  • 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 view of the Mouchi ethnic minority village of Ban Terka, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.
    A0018945cc_1.jpg
  • Wearing her traditional headscarf made from indigo dyed cotton, La, a Laopan ethnic minority woman stands outside her bamboo home in Ban Laopan, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0018936cc_1.jpg
  • A Mounteun ethnic minority woman sews her traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Mounteun, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0016746cc_1.jpg
  • A Mounteun ethnic minority woman sews her traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Mounteun, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0016739cc_1.jpg
  • A Laoseng minority woman carries her baby whilst smoking tobacco in her home in the remote and roadless village of Ban Phouxom, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR, Ban Phouxom is situated along the Nam Ou river (a tributary of the Mekong) and will be relocated and joined with three other Laoseng villages following the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 5. The Nam Ou river connects small riverside villages and provides the rural population with food for fishing. It is a place where children play and families bathe, where men fish and women wash their clothes. But this river and others like it, that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies are being blocked, diverted and decimated by dams. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into “the battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting the power to Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0020901cc_1.jpg
  • Elderly and young musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy, Naxi Guyue Hui, in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province, China. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 033.jpg
  • Elderly and young musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy, Naxi Guyue Hui, in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province, China. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 032_alamy.jpg
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