This basket decorated with seeds and colourful wool pompoms are made by Akha women to hold cotton tufts and spindles. Spun cotton is carried in these baskets, which are tied to the women's waist. Women and girls spin thread constantly, while walking to the field, carrying wood and water, and at every available moment.A variety of storage vessels like this basket, made from woven bamboo and rattan are used by highland communities in northern Thailand. The communities include ethnic minority groups - the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Hmong, and Yao who migrated into northern Thailand from neighbouring regions during the 18th and 19th centuries. The terms 'highlanders', 'hilltribes' or chao khao ('mountain people') as they are referred to in Thai, are no longer very accurate as many also now live in lowland regions.
