“Special Collection Of Lao Textiles Acquired In 1992” is the next programme of the Thai Textile Society’s Collector’s Corner series, held at Siam Society, Asok Road, on Saturday at 10am.
Conducted by Savitri Suwansathit, the presentation is based on an official visit to Laos in 1992, where she represented Thailand following a Unesco international conference that commemorated the heritage of Asian textiles organised in honour of HM Queen Sirikit’s 60th birthday.
The textiles acquired on that visit came from Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Xayaburi, and are a reflection of the social and political transformations in Laos between 1975 and 1992. Purchased in markets, workshops and weaving villages, the textiles display diverse and rich weaving.
Savitri was deeply inspired by the stories behind some of the quality pieces, woven by villagers who had suffered hardship during the first decade of tight economic and social control following political change in Laos in 1975.
The collection includes exuberant pieces from the multitude of Lao ethnic groups, such as Tai Daeng and Tai Dam from Xam Neua and the Plain of Jars. This is a good chance to hear Savitri share her experience at a most crucial time in Laos’ history and see the wonderful textiles that withstood the perils of war.
Savitri held various positions in the Ministry of Education, including inspector-general, secretary-general of the Teachers Commission, secretary of Thai National Commission for Unesco and deputy permanent secretary for Education, before retirement. Currently, she serves as an adviser for a number of government agencies.