Difference between revisions of "Language/Lao/Culture/Arts-and-Crafts"
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==Other Lessons== | |||
* [[Language/Lao/Culture/Traditional-Music|Traditional Music]] | |||
* [[Language/Lao/Culture/Traditional-Lao-Dishes|Traditional Lao Dishes]] | |||
* [[Language/Lao/Culture/Laos-Timeline|Laos Timeline]] | |||
* [[Language/Lao/Culture/Greetings-and-Social-Etiquette|Greetings and Social Etiquette]] | |||
* [[Language/Lao/Culture/Festivals-and-Celebrations|Festivals and Celebrations]] | |||
* [[Language/Lao/Culture/Eating-Customs-and-Etiquette|Eating Customs and Etiquette]] | |||
{{Lao-Page-Bottom}} | {{Lao-Page-Bottom}} | ||
Revision as of 21:27, 2 April 2023
Lao arts and crafts are valued for their beauty, creativity, and cultural significance. From textiles and basketry to silverware and pottery, Lao artisans have a rich tradition of handcrafting objects that reflect the country's diverse ethnic heritage and natural resources. In this lesson, you will discover the fascinating world of Lao arts and crafts, their techniques, and their cultural contexts.
Traditional Textiles
Lao textiles have a long history of excellence and elegance. Handwoven on looms, they come in many styles, patterns, and colors, and are used for clothing, decoration, and ceremonies. The most famous types of textiles are sinh, phaa sin, and phaa khao ma.
Sinh
sinh (Lao: ສິ່ງ) is the traditional skirt worn by Lao women. It is usually made of silk, cotton or other natural fibers, and can be as long as the ankle or as short as the knee. The sinh is wrapped around the waist and tucked in at the front, with the folds forming a pleated fan-like effect. The skirt is often decorated with intricate designs, such as floral patterns, geometry, or religious motifs, and can take several months to complete.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ສິ່ງ (sinh) | [sǐŋ] | skirt |
Phaa Sin
phaa sin (Lao: ຜ້າສິນ) is a type of decorated silk scarf used as a belt for the sinh. It is usually 30-40 cm wide and 1.5-2 m long, and features colorful patterns and embroidery. The phaa sin is worn to add color to the outfit and can also be used as a head or shoulder wrap.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຜ້າສິນ (phaa sin) | [pʰāː sîn] | silk scarf |
Phaa Khao Ma
phaa khao ma (Lao: ຜ້າເຂົ້າມາ) is a type of cotton textile used as a head wrap or shoulder cloth. It is a versatile piece of cloth that can be used for carrying babies, carrying goods, or as a blanket. The phaa khao ma is woven with geometric designs and is often dyed with natural colors.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຜ້າເຂົ້າມາ (phaa khao ma) | [pʰāː kʰȁw máː] | cotton cloth |
Basketry
Lao basketry is renowned for its craftsmanship, intricacy, and usefulness. Made from a variety of natural materials, such as bamboo, rattan, and grass, baskets come in different shapes and sizes and are used for storing, serving, and transporting. There are many types of baskets in Laos, such as khaap, hap, and kradook.
Khaap
khaap (Lao: ຂາບ) is a bamboo basket used for steaming sticky rice. It is made of thin bamboo strips woven tightly to form a circular or rectangular shape, with a lid on top. The khaap is used in many Lao meals and is an essential utensil in Lao cuisine.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຂາບ (khaap) | [kʰâːp] | bamboo basket |
Hap
hap (Lao: ຫາບ) is a woven rattan basket used for carrying items, such as vegetables, fruits, or rice. It is usually round, with a handle on top, and can be decorated with colorful designs. The hap is a common sight in Lao markets and homes.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຫາບ (hap) | [háːp] | rattan basket |
Kradook
kradook (Lao: ກະດູກ) is a type of basket made of bamboo, used for storing food, such as rice, flour, or beans. It has a lid on top and can be decorated with different patterns. The kradook is a traditional item of Lao household and can be found in most homes.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ກະດູກ (kradook) | [kráːdúk] | bamboo basket |
Silverware
Lao silverware is a reflection of the country's creative skill and cultural diversity. Made of silver, brass or other metals, they come in many shapes, sizes, and designs and are used for decoration and utility. Some of the most popular types of silverware are betel boxes, spoons, and bracelets.
Betel Boxes
betel boxes (Lao: ຖ້ຳເບື້ອ) is a traditional object used for storing and serving betel nuts, tobacco, and lime in Lao communal settings. They are usually made of silver, brass or copper and can be decorated with intricate designs or motifs. Betel boxes are important items in Lao social life and are often exchanged as gifts.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຖ້ຳເບື້ອ (betel box) | [tʰám bɛ̀w] | container for betel nuts |
Spoons
Lao spoons (Lao: ຕີນ) are used for eating and cooking. They are usually made of silver, brass or other metals and can be adorned with artistic patterns or symbols. Lao spoons come in various sizes and shapes, and can be found in most Lao homes.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຕີນ (spoon) | [tīn] | spoon |
Bracelets
silver bracelets in Laos (Lao: ສາຍເຊື້ອ) are commonly worn by women and men as a fashion statement or as a symbol of social status. They are made of silver or other metals, and often feature intricate designs, such as flowers, animals, or geometry. Silver bracelets are also believed to have protective and spiritual powers, and are sometimes given as gifts or used in rituals.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ສາຍເຊື້ອ (silver bracelet) | [sáːj sɤ̌ː] | bracelet |
Pottery
Lao pottery is renowned for its delicacy, uniqueness, and functionality. Made from clay, it comes in different shapes and sizes, such as bowls, jars, and vases, and is used for decoration and storing. Lao pottery also reflects the country's ethnic diversity and cultural richness.
Jars
jars (Lao: ຈະ) are a traditional form of pottery used for storing food, water, or fermented liquids, such as Lao lao (rice whiskey). They come in different sizes and are often decorated with intricate designs or symbols. Jars are an essential item of Lao household and can be found in most homes.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຈະ (jar) | [tɕʰāː] | jar |
Bowls
bowls (Lao: ຜັກ) in Lao culture are used for serving food and are usually made of earthenware or stoneware. They come in different sizes and can be decorated with patterns or inscriptions. Bowls are a common item in Lao dining culture and are sometimes considered as sacred objects.
| Lao | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ຜັກ (bowl) | [pʰák] | bowl |
Conclusion
Lao arts and crafts are a testimony to the creativity, ingenuity, and cultural diversity of the people of Laos. Whether in textiles, basketry, silverware, or pottery, Lao craftsmanship is a reflection of a rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive in contemporary times. By appreciating Lao arts and crafts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the country's identity, history, and spirit.
Other Lessons
- Traditional Music
- Traditional Lao Dishes
- Laos Timeline
- Greetings and Social Etiquette
- Festivals and Celebrations
- Eating Customs and Etiquette