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(KPL) The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism held a seminar on Jun 6 in Vientiane to discuss the preparation for the celebration of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee’s recognition of Laos’ traditional naga motif weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
(KPL) The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism held a seminar on Jun 6 in Vientiane to discuss the preparation for the celebration of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee’s recognition of Laos’ traditional naga motif weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Attending the seminar were Director of Literature and Publishing Department Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Ms Chanphet Khamphong, authors, writers, monks, researchers and representatives of relevant parties.
Exhibition being held between Jun 5-9 at the Lao National Culture Hall, Vientiane to celebrate the Lao naga motif weaving granted UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
Director of Literature and Publishing Department Ms Chanphet Khamphong said, “Naga is a mythical, serpent-like creature that lives in rivers. Lao people believe that Naga are ancestors that watch over them. To show their respect, they add Naga motifs to different objects, the most common of which is textiles, through weaving.”
Naga motifs are woven by hand using a traditional wooden loom. The motif is created during the weaving process. It is neither embroidered nor printed. The patterns can be woven in silk, silk organza and cotton, and traditionally the Naga’s body is woven in white or a solid colour, with bright colours used for the crest to symbolize the creature’s supernatural powers. The centuries-old practice is transmitted informally within families, and in vocational centres, cultural centres and universities. Textiles with the Naga design are used throughout a person’s life.
“Naga is a strong animal men, especially the elderly like to have naga tattoos on their bodies to make them strong, but women cannot have tattoo so they have to weave naga designs onto their traditional skirts, crafts, textiles for protection and strength,” said Ms Douangdeuan Bounyavong, an expert of naga culture.
“To promote the preservation of naga motifs, everyone should attach attention to the use of traditional skirts, handicrafts, clothes and other products with naga motifs,” added Ms Doungdeuan.
UNESCO granted Lao naga motif weaving a World Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2023.
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