Threads of Tradition

Luang Prabang brims with a rich textile legacy and serves as an inspiration for textile designers and brands. Brinda Gill gives a first-hand account of the same.

- Brinda Gill

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and Luang Prabang is regarded as the religious, spiritual and cultural centre of the country for its beautiful wats (temple complexes), sacred sites, and a resplendent craft heritage. In 1995, Luang Prabang was also placed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travellers from across the world laud the beauty of Luang Prabang and textile enthusiasts find it akin to a treasure chest of beautiful textiles.

LUANG PRABANG: AN INTRODUCTION

Luang Prabang is located in the centre of northern Laos, at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, and is conveniently connected with several cities in Southeast Asia. The deep-rooted Buddhist culture; the many textile, garment, and craft stores in the town; artisan centres with textile workshops; aesthetically designed cafés and restaurants; and the bustling night market (at one section of Sisavangvong Road) make it an inspiring destination for textile designers and students.

The tourist office located at Sisavangvong Road offers comprehensive information to travellers. Given the range of handmade crafts and textiles in the town, the Luang Prabang Handicraft Association suggests looking for products with the ‘Handmade in Luang Prabang’ sticker to find locally produced authentic handicrafts.

THE TEXTILE HERITAGE

Laos is home to a large number of ethnic groups, each of which has its distinct identity and this is manifest in the wonderful spectrum of handwoven textiles, attire, and accessories that open up a world of design expressions. Women have a repertoire of traditionally woven textiles and wear the sinh—a skirt, and this has kept alive the practice of handweaving textiles with traditional motifs and patterns that bear ethnic significance.