This photo was taken in northern Thailand, near Mae Hong Son. Check out the weaving system - the woman is sitting in a harness attached to the loom. We were blown out by the intracacy of the design.The traditional village style for women and girls is leg bands, ornate head pieces and the distinguishing gold neck-bands.
Cultural tourism is a tricky thing, and we were quite nervous about intruding on peoples' lives. However, this woman made us feel quite at ease :) We watched her weaving, played with her little girl (much to my delight!), shared their lunch and bought some of the woman's handiwork.
Apparently in parts of rural Thailand and Laos, there is some pressure on women to maintain traditional dress to carry on the culture of the village, while the men have largely abandonded traditonal garb. The women are very strong here - although small of stature, they are able to carry rice on thier heads, babes at thier breasts, and also the culture on their backs! !! Go girls!
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