Laos

Wood carving

Men are responsible for crafting wood in Laos. They carve wood into utilitarian as well as religious items. Weaving equipment, including shuttles and looms,...

Weaving

Many groups composing the population of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, commonly known as Laos, practice weaving. Women are the primary producers of textiles...

Saa paper (mulberry bark paper)

In Laos, mulberry bark paper (mulberry bark paper in Lao: jia po saa or jia saa; mulberry bark paper in Khmu: salae) has different...

Pottery

The production of ceramics (kheuang pan din phao) occurs throughout Laos. Artisans create both glazed and and unglazed pottery. Members of the Lao and...

Metal

A wide range of smithing occurs in Laos to produce tools, jewellery and religious items. Blacksmiths (Lao: saang tii lek) may come from a...

Embroidery

Women belonging to various ethnic groups composing the population of Laos adorn cloth with post-weaving techniques, mainly appliqué and embroidery (pak saew). Cross-, satin-,...

Kaan pak tin (court-style gold couching and embroidery)

Prior to 1975, the monarchy and nobility of Laos were patrons of the arts, and women of the court couched and embroidered clothing and...

Basketry

Members of the diverse population of Laos continue to produce a variety of baskets (ka-ta). Men of different ethnic backgrounds interlace bamboo (phai) and,...
Bamboo flute

Khaen or khene (bamboo flute)

The bamboo mouth organ (Lao: khaen) is considered an identity marker of the Lao. Men belonging to other groups residing in Laos, such as...