Thursday, March 3, 2011

Yao Dress & the Hills of Northern Thailand



My friends Natalie, Ashvin and I recently a Yao village on Doi Wawee. 
This mountain in Northern Thailand is the origin of Wawee Coffee company though the people in fact grow tea, corn, vegetables and fruit trees among other plants. Our hostess thought it would be fun to dress us in traditional costume after we complimented her on her pants. Known as "kang keng" in Thai, they are embroidered by hand and completed over a period of months. Got a few laughs from the local people.
These clothes are not everyday wear but for special occasions like weddings. The headdresses are snug and light. The red wool collars and pants are heavy and very warm.

Ashvin wears a shirt with embroideries of abstract flowers like those found in the surrounding natural landscape. The buttons are small silver bells that make noise when he walks.
The phrase "people from high elevations" best describes communities like the Yao instead of the more commonly used term "hilltribe."

4 comments:

  1. Very cool! Those collars and the embroidery are fantastic!

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  2. Ashvin seems like a friendly guy - he has a great smile:) You and your friend look like you're having a good time! Those head dresses are perfect for "bad hair" days!! Love your pictures of the countryside. xo

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