laos

HISTORY

Laos is a small nation of southeast Asia. Centuries ago its people ruled a great kingdom of a million elephants. Eventually the kingdom decline under the pressure of more powerful neighbors. Near the end of 1800's Laos became a French protectorate. It's modern history dates from 1953, when it regained independence. In the years following independence, Laos was torn by civil war. A communist government took power in 1975 and continues to rule Laos today.

THE PEOPLE

The dominant people of Laos are the Lao, who make up almost half the population. The Lao who are related to the Thai of the neighboring Thailand, live on the plains bordering the Mekong River and its tributaries. The mountains of Laos are inhabited by varied ethnic groups, including the Meo (Hmong), Yao, and Kha (or Lao Theung)

The Lao are mainly farmers, who grow rice on the irrigated lands of the Mekong valley. This is the most fertile region of the country and the most densely populated. The mountainous areas are more sparsely populated. The mountain peoples live in widely scattered villages, growing crops on small plots of land.

TRADITIONAL CLOTHES

Laos-understand that traditional Hmong clothing styles vary depending on what country they live in, migration patterns, and whether they are White, Blue, or Striped Hmong; know that special clothing is prepared for the Hmong New Year; understand that cloth for clothing originally was hand woven from Hemp but today the fabric is usually purchased;

Understand that in Laos, many Hmong women now wear Thai and Lao dresses for everyday use because they are cheaper and more comfortable to wear; identify the traditional man’s hat or cumaw as black with a pink knot on top; understand that many Hmong have spiritual beliefs about a person’s soul that involves the head; know that Hmong men often wear a pink sash called a shee that is tied in front; know that White Hmong women traditionally wore green and pink sashes called hla shee; understand that in the U.S., it is acceptable to "mix and match" clothing from Blue,White, and Striped Hmong groups;

Identify the dabtshos that is worn on the neckline in the back of a Hmong woman’s traditional clothing; understand that intricately sewn dabtshos can help a Hmong girl attract a husband by showing off her mother’s sewing skills; understand that dabtshos designs vary depending on the age and status of the girl and if she is White or Blue Hmong; identify the so or woman’s breastplate and understand that it is an intricate part of her traditional clothing; know that the breastplate is traditionally made from silver bars and shows the wealth and prestige of a man's or woman’s family; identify the jewelry styles that were worn before and after French rule in Laos.

[RIGHT-TOP] A Lao Loum Lady holding a vase full of orange and red tropical flowers

[RIGHT-MIDDLE] A Lao Theung Lady smiling

[RIGHT-BOTTOM] A Lao Sung Lady giving a sitting pose at a ceremony.