MANILA, Philippines—Weavers from Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic) visited the country recently to showcase the various techniques involved in producing the intricately designed handmade textiles which made their nation famous in Southeast Asia.

Artist-weavers Keomoungkhoun Chansamone and Nanthavongdouangsy Kongthong were invited by the National Museum to show Filipinos how they made handmade fabrics known across the region for its outstanding and intricate designs. They gave the lecture on January 8.

Kongthong, an Asean Living Human Treasure awardee and Unesco Awardee on Traditional Textile, emphasized that the weaving tradition in Laos upholds the dignity of Lao women.

“In Laos, it’s a culture. They make the dignity of Lao women who can have income at home together and look after their children and family,” Kongthong said.

Chansamone added that a Lao tapestry takes a month to finish.

Lao tapestries are made through employing various techniques such as ikat (resist dye process), chok (discontinuous supplementary weft); khit (continuous supplementary weft), yiab ko (tapestry weft) and ta muk (continuous supplementary warp).

The fabrics are also made of natural materials as Lao weavers use dyes from indigo, saffron and terra cotta.

The lecture of the Lao traditional weavers is part of the Senator Loren Legarda Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge. Legarda also graced the event. AJH