Textile
ClassificationsTextiles
Cultureprobably
Lao
Date20th Century
Made AtLaos, Asia
Made AtVietnam, Asia
MediumCotton and silk
Dimensions31 3/4 × 83 1/8 in. (80.6 × 211.1 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2019.23.27
DescriptionThese textiles were used as clothing, blankets, hangings and also for a variety of ceremonial purposes. Such textiles have different categories, such as the pa biang in Laos, yet are woven using the same techniques. Textiles such as the pa biang are primarily a scarf or shawl, mostly made of cotton or silk. The varying colors of these textiles are a result of ikat or mat mi technique, which is commonly used in Southeast Asia. Ikat, meaning “to bind,” is a dyeing technique used to create patterns with dye prior to weaving the fabric. Once the ikat process is complete, the weavers then utilize the warp and weft technique to create the textile. The warp threads are woven vertically whereas the weft threads are woven horizontally, interlacing the warp to create embroidered decoration. Although the Laotian textiles vary by region, designs primarily contain intricate motifs, such as the classic hook called lai koh, stylized animals or abstract anthropomorphic figures. These textiles are typically worn as a shawl, scarf, table runner or hangings.On View
Not on view
early 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
Li
Li
Li