Developing Distinctive Dress: Textiles and Clothing of the Katang and Mankhong Ethnic Groups of Southern Laos

Abstract

The Mainland South-east Asian country of Laos is renowned for its traditional costume composed of intricate hand-woven textiles. The woven material that is the focus of exhibits and publications are primarily produced by the politically dominant Lao and related groups, which together make up a small percentage of the sixty-eight ethnic groups recognized in Laos. The traditional textiles and dress of the people making up the minority groups, especially groups living in the southern region, are often overlooked. Information about the clothing and textiles of the Katang and Mankhong, two minority groups living in upland areas in southern Laos, has been limited. Field research conducted by the author revealed that Katang and Mankhong women, as the primary producers of cloth, have mastered weaving and other adorning techniques to decorate cloth with patterning. The weavers have utilized embroidery, supplementary weft, weft ikat, and supplementary warp techniques to develop distinctive textiles used as costume and ceremonial items. Over the last ten years, regional trade has developed rapidly in the area inhabited by the Katang and Mankhong due to Asian Development Bank sponsorship of such projects as the East–West Economic Corridor in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The distinctive heritage of these minority groups is at risk, but projects encouraging the production of their traditional attire may assist the Katang, Mankhong, and related groups in preserving their culture.