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Cotton Silk Wood Rattan Coconut Silver.
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Textiles
The production of woven textiles is by far the most prolific of all traditional crafts in Laos, and there is huge diversity of weaving styles amongst the different regions and ethnicities of Laos. Textiles are a key part of Lao culture, and are important in people's lives in a variety of ways, from spiritual ceremonies to the household. Lao women wear a traditional skirt called "sinh" on daily basis, and these demonstrates the wide variety of patterns and styles of weaving. From The Source import textile products from a number of suppliers, and we also fund our own initiative to promote natural dyes and weaving.
Our main cotton supplier was established by joint Lao Government and UNDP funding to help women in Laos by capitalizing on their traditional weaving skills. All stages of the cotton handicraft process are supported, from the purchase of raw cotton from Lao farmers through to spinning, dying and weaving. Organic cotton production is now being promoted amongst Lao farmers, and it organizes ten women's weaving groups and provides 200 looms throughout Laos. A slideshow of handwoven, naturally dyed, textile production is running in the top corner of this website.
Our silk scarves are produced by a small family-run business in Vientiane Province, which is inspired by the strong weaving culture from the Sam Neua region in North Eastern Laos. This organisation is currently working with an international development agency to build a new factory in Sam Neua that would be a highly valuable source of paid employment in this area. We also source silk and cotton products from a handicraft producer who has been experimenting with natural dyes for textiles for over a decade, and now works with development agencies to train women to use natural dyes.
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Crafts from wood and coconut
We supply handmade wood products from a leading Lao handicraft manufacturer that sources wood from sawmills, discarded roots, tree stumps, branches and burls. This company specialises in adding value to Lao woods and is involved in forestry-conservation measures. Many of their beautiful products are best seen as unique, one-off pieces of "wood art". The director has an important role in the Lao Handicraft Association, which is working to overcome common problems for Lao handicraft businesses such as training and funding.
We also source handicrafts from a small company that specialises in using salvaged wood and locally available natural materials such as coconut and eggshell. This company offers apprenticeships and provides employment opportunities for disadvantaged, uneducated and often marginalized people, with a particular focus on women. |
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Silver
There is a long-standing tradition of jewellery design and manufacture among the peoples of Laos. Our silver and wood jewellery is made by a group of silversmiths brought together by a training project funded by international development cooperation between Germany and Laos. The designs combine traditional Lao patterns with contemporary styles
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