A Lao silk textile, reflecting the history and folklore of the country in its design, won the Top Award at The Asean Fashion Show in Bangkok earlier this month.
A local weaver from Xamneua district in Huaphan province, Ms Vieng, created the design piece, relaying the story of King Fa Ngum, establisher of the Lane Xang kingdom, in traditional silk to represent the rich history of her country.
The exhibition was part of the Asean Collaboration on Sericulture Research and Development Conference in Thailand, which included more than 400 textile pieces from five Asean countries, 11 of them from Laos.
Lao artists received several awards; the top prize going to the outstanding work of Ms Vieng and her depiction of the historical king.
On the silk, she describes the life of the leader and the soldiers who fought alongside him to create the Lane Xang kingdom.
The design also illustrates King Fa Ngum’s mission of bringing Buddhism to Laos. The bottom portion of the silk piece depicts a famous Lao folklore known as Sang Sin Xay.
Speaking on behalf of the handicraft group in Xamneua province, Ms Manivone Keomany said Ms Vieng spent a lot of effort and used her wisdom to create the design. Even though she has only seen a statue of King Fa Ngum at a park in Vientiane, her interpretation is spot on.
“Though the story of the king has been passed down orally from generation to generation, it will now be well-preserved on silk. I believe this silk piece and its story will be valuable to Lao culture in the future.”
President of the Lao Handicraft Association, Ms Rasanikone Nanong said the prizes that the Lao artists received would not only create a positive reputation for the country but also encourage handicraft groups in Laos to be more active in producing their products for international markets.
Ms Vieng said receiving this award could play an important role for her association in convincing skillful weavers to become involved in developing the handcraft industry.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun August 28, 2009 Vientiane Times
Yes 7 awards and they are? What award did Ms Vieng receive? I hate Laos newspaper! Journalists seldom provide crucial information that readers want to know. I remember reading the article on Vientiane Times talking about Sean Kingston coming to Laos to perform; there was no date of the performance indicated anywhere in the article.
Where's the pix of the silk, I want to see, King Fa Ngum, his soldiers, story of Lan Xang!! ****, gets me the jingles, please post pix if anyone have it. THANK YOU and CONGRATS to the Winners.
A local weaver from Xamneua district in Huaphan province, Ms Vieng, created the design piece, relaying the story of King Fa Ngum, establisher of the Lane Xang kingdom, in traditional silk to represent the rich history of her country.
