TAI STUDIES IN LAOS AND VIETNAM (4 papers)
Chair: Amphay Doré, Research Institute on Culture, Lao PDR
Lao Traditional Weaving Patterns
Amphay Doré, Research Institute on Culture, Lao PDR
Traditional Lao weaving patterns, as well as their various techniques, are very rich and
sophisticated. Their origins are complex. While some are related to Lao totemic ancestors,
other are related to ancient believes, practices, religious symbols, way of life and so on.
Although traditional Lao weaving patterns were transmitted accurately from generation to
generation for centuries or even for millenaries until today, Lao women weavers have lost
their significations, due mainly to the Hinayana Buddhist influence from Ceylon (14 th
Century).
Through ethno-historical and comparative methodologies, this paper attempts to determine the
cultural context and meanings of the main traditional Lao weaving patterns such as Serpent,
Frog-man, Frog-man riding an animal, Diamond, Bird, Horse and Elephant.
The Great-Drum among Northern Tai Buddhist Cultures: A Showcase of a Living Tradition
Mani-Samouth M.P.Ratana Koumphon, National University of Laos, Vientiane
Recent fieldworks (1999-2003) have enabled to locate the Lao Great-Drum in its current
socio-religious context connected to Theravadin Buddhism, the Lao official religion since the
14th century A.D. Yet a deeper study has shown that the Great-Drum which nowadays is
performing precise functions within the framework of Theravadin Buddhism liturgy,
constitutes otherwise the “receptacle” of different cultural and religious movements, notably
Shamanism and Lamaism. This heritage is commonly shared by other Northern Tai Buddhist
groups such as Lu in Xixuangbanna, Gnuan in Lanna and Tai Neua in Shan States. In this
paper, we would like to point out the interest that these former substratum as a common
culture still represent among Tai Buddhist groups, notably through the cases of two Lu
craftsmen living in Laos who have kept vivid the drum-making tradition.
Tai Daeng Clothing
Outtala Vanyouveth, Institute for Research on Culture, Vientiane
The Tai Daeng live in the Northeastern part of Lao PDR, mainly in Muang Sam Tay and
Muang Xieng Kho, in Huaphan Province. They belong to the Lao-Tai ethno-linguistic group,
and their culture is mostly related to the Tai Dam. Since ancient times, the Tai Daeng have
developed relationships with other minorities: the Tai Dam with whom they share a common
culture; the Lao with whom they trade; and the Tai Daeng in Vietnam. According to
circumstances, they wear different clothing and accessories (ancestor worship, funerals,
wedding, etc., both for women and men). Nowadays, Tai Daeng men do not wear the
traditional dress any longer. However, Tai Daeng women still keep their traditional clothing
and way of dressing, with a variety of patterns and techniques of weaving.