Identity of Luang Prabang Embroidered Fabric

Abstract

This article is part of a Ph.D. dissertation entitled Luang Prabang Embroidered Fabric to Modern Product Design at Khon Kaen University. This article has the objective of analyzing the identity of the embroidered fabric of Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic. The data was acquired through documents and field studies using field surveys emphasizing the Luang Prabang embroidered fabric and interviews with experts and related people in Luang Prabang. The data was later analyzed using cultural diffusion theory to investigate the history of the identity.

The study found that the identity of the embroidered fabric came from the reflections through the characteristics, form, and patterns, as well as the beliefs of the Luang Prabang people, which can be divided into three following aspects, religion, culture, and society. On the aspect of religion, it was found that the embroidered fabric relates to the Buddhist beliefs, myths, and literature found in Buddhist arts. In terms of culture, it was found that the embroidered fabric came from the merging of the local beliefs and foreign influences, creating a unique meaning in the area, and also the way of life of the Luang Prabang people reflected through the patterns on their clothing. As for society, it was found that in the Lan Xang Kingdom, the ruling class had a significant role. The study reveals that the embroidered fabric functioned as a symbol of power, wealth, and the ruling class status in Luang Prabang. Additionally, the embroidered fabric also reflects the diplomatic relationships and collaboration between Luang Prabang and other Kingdoms, especially China and France. The import of foreign objects also reflects both diplomatic protection and collaboration and is shown through the patterns on the clothing and other decorations on the body that were made from fabric. Therefore, the identity found on the embroidered fabric came from the diffusion of culture, mainly from China.