No. 39

Photographs taken in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Weaving is a tradition carried on by women in Laos, from mother to daughter. Their work is beautiful and requires solid knowledge. Based on silk, the process goes from breeding silkworms, dying and weaving. This art is growing in recognition and represents a substantial part of Laos’ culture.

The northeast region of Thailand is called Isan and is made up of a majority of Lao speaking people. The music and instruments are distinct from the rest of Thailand, the main instrument being the free-reed mouth organ called khaen (pronounced “can”, it’s often spelled khene, khen, or any number of variations.) It consists of a series of bamboo pipes in two rows fitted into a wooden holder. The player breathes in and out of the wooden wind chest, fingering holes on either side. Each pipe has it’s own free reed, similar to a harmonica.

The khaen is also the dominant instrument in Lao music. This is a Lao khaen player from 1902.