Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf
Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf with brown, tan, indigo, and white, with tassels at each end. Measures 2m x 38cm
Ban Lou Weavers
In the remote village of Nam Bak in northern Laos, a small collective of weavers preserves the artistry of traditional techniques, utilising ancient wooden looms to craft exquisite organic cotton shawls and scarves. This tight-knit community draws inspiration from their surroundings, using locally grown cotton and hand-spinning it on traditional wooden wheels. What sets their creations apart is not only the meticulous craftsmanship but also the use of organic dyes derived from nature's bounty.
The vibrant hues adorning these textiles originate from a rich spectrum of sources. The stunning indigo, sourced from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, commonly known as true indigo, symbolises the deep blue skies that stretch over Laos. The earthy brown tones are extracted from teak tree leaves, and a richer brown comes from the Mak bow vine. The golden shades emerge from the wood of the Jackfruit tree, while the sappan tree yields red and pink hues. Light beige is achieved with lemongrass, and a regal purple is born from stick lac resin, a substance left behind by the lac insect. These natural dyes are a testament to the weavers' commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
The dyeing process is an art in itself, involving fermentation and boiling of the plants in large clay pots. The organic spun cotton is then immersed in these natural concoctions, steeping for hours to days to absorb the rich, vibrant colours. The result is a harmonious marriage of tradition and nature, encapsulating the essence of Laos within each fibre.
The driving force behind this endeavour is Somdeth, a local visionary who recognized the hardships faced by the weavers in his village. After spending years as a Buddhist monk and later studying English business management in Luang Prabang, Somdeth returned to Nam Bak with a determination to uplift his community. In 2018, he established a workshop to teach spinning, dyeing, and weaving, providing the weavers with both skills and empowerment.
Somdeth's journey has been marked by challenges, particularly during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing adversity and losing his shop in Nong Khiaw, the nearest town, he resiliently clung to the community project in Nam Bak. His unwavering faith, dedication, and love for his community have fuelled the continuation of this project, ensuring that the weaving traditions endure.
In the hands of these weavers, each hand-woven product becomes a manifestation of hard work, love, and cultural heritage. Every piece tells a story of resilience, community support, and a commitment to sustainable practices. The textiles of Nam Bak are not merely garments; they are living artefacts, connecting the past with the present and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf with brown, tan, indigo, and white, with tassels at each end. Measures 2m x 38cm
Ban Lou Weavers
In the remote village of Nam Bak in northern Laos, a small collective of weavers preserves the artistry of traditional techniques, utilising ancient wooden looms to craft exquisite organic cotton shawls and scarves. This tight-knit community draws inspiration from their surroundings, using locally grown cotton and hand-spinning it on traditional wooden wheels. What sets their creations apart is not only the meticulous craftsmanship but also the use of organic dyes derived from nature's bounty.
The vibrant hues adorning these textiles originate from a rich spectrum of sources. The stunning indigo, sourced from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, commonly known as true indigo, symbolises the deep blue skies that stretch over Laos. The earthy brown tones are extracted from teak tree leaves, and a richer brown comes from the Mak bow vine. The golden shades emerge from the wood of the Jackfruit tree, while the sappan tree yields red and pink hues. Light beige is achieved with lemongrass, and a regal purple is born from stick lac resin, a substance left behind by the lac insect. These natural dyes are a testament to the weavers' commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
The dyeing process is an art in itself, involving fermentation and boiling of the plants in large clay pots. The organic spun cotton is then immersed in these natural concoctions, steeping for hours to days to absorb the rich, vibrant colours. The result is a harmonious marriage of tradition and nature, encapsulating the essence of Laos within each fibre.
The driving force behind this endeavour is Somdeth, a local visionary who recognized the hardships faced by the weavers in his village. After spending years as a Buddhist monk and later studying English business management in Luang Prabang, Somdeth returned to Nam Bak with a determination to uplift his community. In 2018, he established a workshop to teach spinning, dyeing, and weaving, providing the weavers with both skills and empowerment.
Somdeth's journey has been marked by challenges, particularly during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing adversity and losing his shop in Nong Khiaw, the nearest town, he resiliently clung to the community project in Nam Bak. His unwavering faith, dedication, and love for his community have fuelled the continuation of this project, ensuring that the weaving traditions endure.
In the hands of these weavers, each hand-woven product becomes a manifestation of hard work, love, and cultural heritage. Every piece tells a story of resilience, community support, and a commitment to sustainable practices. The textiles of Nam Bak are not merely garments; they are living artefacts, connecting the past with the present and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf with brown, tan, indigo, and white, with tassels at each end. Measures 2m x 38cm
Ban Lou Weavers
In the remote village of Nam Bak in northern Laos, a small collective of weavers preserves the artistry of traditional techniques, utilising ancient wooden looms to craft exquisite organic cotton shawls and scarves. This tight-knit community draws inspiration from their surroundings, using locally grown cotton and hand-spinning it on traditional wooden wheels. What sets their creations apart is not only the meticulous craftsmanship but also the use of organic dyes derived from nature's bounty.
The vibrant hues adorning these textiles originate from a rich spectrum of sources. The stunning indigo, sourced from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, commonly known as true indigo, symbolises the deep blue skies that stretch over Laos. The earthy brown tones are extracted from teak tree leaves, and a richer brown comes from the Mak bow vine. The golden shades emerge from the wood of the Jackfruit tree, while the sappan tree yields red and pink hues. Light beige is achieved with lemongrass, and a regal purple is born from stick lac resin, a substance left behind by the lac insect. These natural dyes are a testament to the weavers' commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
The dyeing process is an art in itself, involving fermentation and boiling of the plants in large clay pots. The organic spun cotton is then immersed in these natural concoctions, steeping for hours to days to absorb the rich, vibrant colours. The result is a harmonious marriage of tradition and nature, encapsulating the essence of Laos within each fibre.
The driving force behind this endeavour is Somdeth, a local visionary who recognized the hardships faced by the weavers in his village. After spending years as a Buddhist monk and later studying English business management in Luang Prabang, Somdeth returned to Nam Bak with a determination to uplift his community. In 2018, he established a workshop to teach spinning, dyeing, and weaving, providing the weavers with both skills and empowerment.
Somdeth's journey has been marked by challenges, particularly during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing adversity and losing his shop in Nong Khiaw, the nearest town, he resiliently clung to the community project in Nam Bak. His unwavering faith, dedication, and love for his community have fuelled the continuation of this project, ensuring that the weaving traditions endure.
In the hands of these weavers, each hand-woven product becomes a manifestation of hard work, love, and cultural heritage. Every piece tells a story of resilience, community support, and a commitment to sustainable practices. The textiles of Nam Bak are not merely garments; they are living artefacts, connecting the past with the present and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.