Shawl
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-scarves, shawls, & stoles
Culturepossibly
Lao
Culturepossibly
Tai
Date20th Century
Made AtLaos, Asia
Made AtVietnam, Asia
MediumCotton and silk
Dimensions16 1/2 × 88 1/8 in. (41.9 × 223.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2019.23.17
DescriptionCotton textiles with silk embroidery were made across the border region between northern Laos and Vietnam for a variety of purposes. Generally, these textiles are defined primarily by their decorative motifs: diamonds, short scroll shapes and humanoid figures; as well as the quality of the silk and dying which goes into their creation. These textiles are woven exclusively by women, and particularly the materials used to create dyes are guarded secrets passed along from mother to daughter. They are used for several purposes and though most-often classified as shawls also sometimes served as waist wraps, head coverings and even surface cloths.On View
Not on view
