Meeting Announcement:

The Clothing and Textiles of the Tai Groups in Northeastern Laos

with

Patricia Cheesman

at

The Burke Room, The Burke Museum

University of Washington Campus

Monday, October 4^th, 2004, 7:00 PM

This is an introductory lecture on textiles from northeastern Laos that includes Muang Xam Nuea and Muang Phuan. Xam Nuea textiles have been collected in museums worldwide and have become well known internationally for their intricate weaving and fascinating symbolic meanings. The shamanic tradition of Xam Nuea had a profound effect on the textiles, which are mainly supplementary weft. The textiles of Muang Phuan are perhaps less well known, but show exceptional weft ikat techniques and were woven in a Buddhist tradition. The aim of this talk is to familiarize collectors and textile enthusiasts with the different regional styles and explore the meanings and techniques behind these wonderful textiles.

Patricia Cheesman was born in Singapore and brought up in North Borneo. Her University major was in ceramics in the UK. Her knowledge of weaving was gained in the field while living in Laos between 1973 and 1981 where she was working in ceramics development projects for the United Nations. Her first book, "Lao Textiles: Ancient Symbols, Living Art", was the result of ten years' study of the traditional textiles and traditions of Laos and Thailand. Patricia has worked for the Crafts Board of Australia on weaving projects for Lao refugees and contributed to numerous international exhibitions. She settled in Thailand in 1985 and is continuing her research and writing of Southeast Asian textiles as well as teaching at Chiang Mai and Thammasat Universities on Thai Textiles, Ceramics and Design. Patricia works with a womens’ group called ‘The Weavers for the Environment’ and manages an outlet for their products at Studio Naenna Textiles Gallery in Chiang Mai. She is a textiles consultant to the Thai Ministry of Education, the Bank of Thailand collection and the Lao Women's Union, and has published numerous books and articles over the past 30 years.

Meeting Schedule:

7:00 Mix and mingle. Announcements.

7:15 Patricia Cheesman – “The Clothing and Textiles of the Tai Groups in Northeastern Laos”

8:15 Show and tell – if you wish, please bring an interesting textile you’d like to share with the group. Something from Laos or Thailand would be particularly appropriate.

Please note: This meeting is free to all members, $5.00 at the door for guests. As always, all are welcome.

Meeting Location:

The Burke Museum is located at the Northwest corner of the University of Washington campus, near the corner of 17^th Avenue NE and NE 45^th Street. The Burke Room is on the left side of the lobby as you enter off of 17^th. Parking is available in the lot just South of the Burke Museum, or on the street in the University District.