Embroidered Laotian Textiles: From the Heart and Soul, together with Fate, to the Creative Cultural Way

Abstract

                Embroidered Laotian textiles are an example of prestige handicraft created by embroidering golden or silver spangles and tinsel on to textiles to produce beautiful designs.  This superb craftsmanship has been related to the beliefs, fate and rituals of Laotians since the olden days.  The creation of this kind of artistic handicraft is based on the specific use of certain signals to communicate meaning.  Therefore, embroidered Laotian textiles are not only used as clothing or in utensils but they are also important goods for trade.  In the past, they were used as tributes in the countries of Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.  Therefore, embroidered Laotian textiles are part of a culture that displays cultural connectivity that has been blended, has flowed and been transferred from place to place throughout the region.