One of the most rewarding aspects of TAEC's work is connecting and growing with new communities and artisans. This year, we were able to expand our handicrafts programme to over 600 producers and 33 villages, and we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to a few of them.
Please meet the newest members of TAEC's artisan group, Phet Nonglao, and her mother Ngert! They are both from the Nge ethnic group and live in Sekong Province, in southern Laos.
Phet learned to weave from her mother using the traditional foot-braced backstrap looms when she was about 15 years old. She weaves every day, and her large cotton textiles feature human figures and animals, such as frogs, fish, and antelope. She uses natural dyes to create soft colours, gathering and buying the fruits and woods she needs every few months. This is Phet's primary livelihood, supporting her, her mother, husband, daughter, and granddaughter (and one more baby on the way!). Phet works with six other women to weave shawls, throws, and placemats which you can now purchase at the TAEC Museum Shop and Boutique.
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