Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf

£45.00

Date: 21st century

Geography: Laos

Dimensions: 200cm L x 40cm W

Weight: 175g

Material: organic cotton

Condition: new - see photos

Please note: There may be imperfections due to the bespoke nature of the item

Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf with indigo shades and white, with tassels at each end.

Ban Lou Weavers: Nam Bak is a remote village in northern Laos where a group of weavers preserve their traditional techniques of weaving cotton shawls and scarves. This small community uses locally grown cotton, which is hand spun on traditional wooden wheels, and naturally sourced organic dyes such as:

  • Indigo, from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, symbolises the blue skies over Laos. The earthy Brown, from the Teak tree. 

  • Gold tones, from the jackruit tree, while the sappan tree yields 

  • Red and pink, from the sappan tree. 

  • Natural tones, from lemongrass, and a regal 

  • Purple, from stick lac resin, a substance left behind by the lac insect. 

The dyeing process involves the fermentation and boiling of plants in large clay pots and left to steep. 

The driving force behind this cottage industry is Somdeth, a local who recognised 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, in 2018 Somdeth returned to Nam Bak. He established a workshop to teach spinning, dyeing, and weaving, providing the weavers with both skills and empowerment.

Somdeth's journey has met with challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite losing his shop in Nong Khiaw, the nearest town, he carried on the community project in Nam Bak. His dedication and love for his community have allowed the project to continue.

Add To Cart

Date: 21st century

Geography: Laos

Dimensions: 200cm L x 40cm W

Weight: 175g

Material: organic cotton

Condition: new - see photos

Please note: There may be imperfections due to the bespoke nature of the item

Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf with indigo shades and white, with tassels at each end.

Ban Lou Weavers: Nam Bak is a remote village in northern Laos where a group of weavers preserve their traditional techniques of weaving cotton shawls and scarves. This small community uses locally grown cotton, which is hand spun on traditional wooden wheels, and naturally sourced organic dyes such as:

  • Indigo, from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, symbolises the blue skies over Laos. The earthy Brown, from the Teak tree. 

  • Gold tones, from the jackruit tree, while the sappan tree yields 

  • Red and pink, from the sappan tree. 

  • Natural tones, from lemongrass, and a regal 

  • Purple, from stick lac resin, a substance left behind by the lac insect. 

The dyeing process involves the fermentation and boiling of plants in large clay pots and left to steep. 

The driving force behind this cottage industry is Somdeth, a local who recognised 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, in 2018 Somdeth returned to Nam Bak. He established a workshop to teach spinning, dyeing, and weaving, providing the weavers with both skills and empowerment.

Somdeth's journey has met with challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite losing his shop in Nong Khiaw, the nearest town, he carried on the community project in Nam Bak. His dedication and love for his community have allowed the project to continue.

Date: 21st century

Geography: Laos

Dimensions: 200cm L x 40cm W

Weight: 175g

Material: organic cotton

Condition: new - see photos

Please note: There may be imperfections due to the bespoke nature of the item

Hand spun, hand dyed and hand woven thick organic cotton striped scarf with indigo shades and white, with tassels at each end.

Ban Lou Weavers: Nam Bak is a remote village in northern Laos where a group of weavers preserve their traditional techniques of weaving cotton shawls and scarves. This small community uses locally grown cotton, which is hand spun on traditional wooden wheels, and naturally sourced organic dyes such as:

  • Indigo, from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, symbolises the blue skies over Laos. The earthy Brown, from the Teak tree. 

  • Gold tones, from the jackruit tree, while the sappan tree yields 

  • Red and pink, from the sappan tree. 

  • Natural tones, from lemongrass, and a regal 

  • Purple, from stick lac resin, a substance left behind by the lac insect. 

The dyeing process involves the fermentation and boiling of plants in large clay pots and left to steep. 

The driving force behind this cottage industry is Somdeth, a local who recognised 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, in 2018 Somdeth returned to Nam Bak. He established a workshop to teach spinning, dyeing, and weaving, providing the weavers with both skills and empowerment.

Somdeth's journey has met with challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite losing his shop in Nong Khiaw, the nearest town, he carried on the community project in Nam Bak. His dedication and love for his community have allowed the project to continue.