These scarves are handwoven with 100% Laos silk in the Xam Tai village, Houphan Province in the north east of Laos.
The people in this village make their living primarily from farming and weaving.
My friend Kinthong Xayalation also known as Kim first started weaving at the age seven. She was taught by her mother and older sister using methods that have been passed down for generations. She enjoyed weaving so much as a chld, that she was at the loom before and after school and provided much needed income for her family. She continued weaving daily and in 2002 at the age of 20 years she bought a shop started by her uncle in Luang Prabang which she now runs with her brother Ken. They sell amazing wall hangings and beautiful scarves which are all woven in the village. They are produced on old fashioned weaving looms using traditional techniques and patterns passed down from generation to generation.
In New Zealand these beautiful scarves can only be bought at La Galleria di Stromboli, Frank Kitts Park, Wellington. Every sale helps the families of Xam Tai village have a better quality of life than so many others in this very poor country. On behalf of Kim and the village weavers I would like to thank you very much for your support.