Lao PDR - Rural life - Ethnic minorities

Portrait of an Akha Oma ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing; Ban Sala Aebe, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Oma are one of Laos’ smallest ethnic groups with only a few villages in Phongsaly Province. Cotton growers, indigo dyers and exquisite embroiderers result in traditional clothing being both colourful and unique. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.

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Filename: A0013823cc_1.jpg
Copyright: Tessa Bunney
Image Size: 2121x2828 / 470.8KB; Asia Bunney Lao Lao PDR Laos PDR Phongsali Phongsaly Southeast Asia Tessa blue clothing costume dye dyed ear-rings embroidery ethnic female handmade indigo jewellery life minorities minority necklace portrait remote rural silver stitching textiles traditional woman women Southeast Akha Akha Oma Oma hill tribe hill tribes
Contained in galleries: Lao PDR - Rural Life

Portrait of an Akha Oma ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing; Ban Sala Aebe, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The Oma are one of Laos’ smallest ethnic groups with only a few villages in Phongsaly Province. Cotton growers, indigo dyers and exquisite embroiderers result in traditional clothing being both colourful and unique. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.