Hmong Vintage Silk Textile STL41

This vintage hand woven silk and cotton textile is from Laos where the tradition of silk weaving is centuries old, a skill passed from mother to daughter. It was woven by the Hmong hill tribe living in Phongsali, northern Laos about 60 years ago. The ancient motifs are hand woven on a wooden loom and each are important symbols in Laotian culture. The colors in this piece remain bright and cheerful, though the weave has loosened over time. This silk was part of a traditional costume.