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Siho and Naga – Lao Textiles: Reflecting a People’s Tradition and Change New Edition
Author(s): Edeltraud Tagwerker (Author)
- Publisher: Peter Lang AG
- Publication Date: 6 Nov. 2009
- Edition: New
- Language: English
- Print length: 196 pages
- ISBN-10: 3631586892
- ISBN-13: 9783631586891
Book Description
Siho and Naga are the most powerful mythological figures in Lao tradition manifested in their textiles. This book focuses on the history and culture of the creators of exquisitely hand woven fabrics that have attracted textile connoisseurs all over the world. The study leads not only to rare weaving techniques, patterns and natural dyes, but also to a vast ethnic diversity of people who used to live self sufficiently of their natural environment in rural areas or under royal patronage in ancient cities. Textiles have always been an integral part of the social and spiritual life of Lao people who now, after a devastating war, are challenged to come to terms with tourism, cash, and global market strategies. Siho and Naga shall raise awareness for urgent educational reform countrywide and encourage local and international preservers of Lao culture to continue their efforts to the benefit of Lao’s young generation, who eventually will grasp the value of their own textiles in order to set them against cheap imports.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
The Author: Edeltraud Tagwerker was born in Musau (Austria). She has a master’s degree in English and American Studies, as well as a doctorate in European Ethnology of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities from Innsbruck University. Her interests focus on education, development, globalization, ethnic diversity, and cultural conservation. She has been teaching in Abu Dhabi, Maseru and Innsbruck, and lived over longer periods in Nepal, London, Curaçao and Laos. There she was fascinated by the natural beauty and ethnic variety of this country, especially the unique Lao textiles that she set out to study and help preserve for Laos’ young generation.
