Lao PDR – Rural life – Ethnic minorities
By Hello on 4 February 2015
Portrait of Eupae, a married Ko Pala ethnic minority woman at home, Ban Honglerk, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. The conservative clothing of the older Pala women is in contrast to the brightly coloured, flamboyant constumes of the young Pala women. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer’s ethnic and clan affiliations.
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