This long woven cloth was made by Tai Neua weavers in northern Laos. It is woven in naturally dyed handspun silk. A complex twill weave was used in the central field comprising geometric designs and tiny animal motifs thought to include civet cats. Plain weave was used at the ends. Pieces such as this may have been used in funeral ceremonies, for example as a coffin covers.The Tai community comprises many related groups who live in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. They are thought to have migrated out of southwest China since ancient times. Similarities in their woven textile traditions continue to reflect historical interrelationships between these groups and others in the region.
