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TAEC Opens Traditional Lao Wind Instruments Exhibition
The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (TAEC) in Luang Prabang has opened the “Voices of the Wind: Traditional Instruments in Laos” exhibition, after more than two years of extensive research and documentation in remote regions of northern Laos. Belgian ethnomusicologist and curator, Dr Marie-Pierre Lissoir, and the TAEC research team led the project that culminated in an immersive and interactive display showcasing traditional wind instruments and music in Laos. The exhibition will run through the Fall of 2020. “Music can be explored in so many ways,” Dr Lissoir said. “There is the role of music in traditional ceremonies and celebrations, but also the crafting of instruments, playing techniques, and the decline of apprenticeship.” The highly interactive and intimate exhibit presents display spaces communicating three important contexts of instrumental practices: ritual, instrument-making, and courting. Through village scene re-creation, audio stations, and interactive video and photograph kiosks, visitors will enter a world rarely seen by the general public. In Laos, music and musical instruments are a part of everyday life. For entertainment, courtship, or rituals, to banish loneliness, teach children, or communicate with the spirits, musical practices touch every member of a community during every part of the year. Dr Lissoir explained, “Laos is particularly fascinating because many instruments are used to communicate, whether to pass a message through the mountains with the powerful sound of a leaf, or to express ones love with the discreet sound of the jaw harp. Speaking about music is speaking about life in Laos, its changes and challenges.” TAEC sees an ongoing struggle and urgency to document these instruments from construction to playing as modernity takes over and replaces intimate settings and songs with amplifiers, microphones, and pre-recorded music. Music is the voice of a community, the voice of a country. A voice that is constantly evolving, like every human activity. Neng Chue Vang, a Hmong instrument maker and musician, said, “There are so many people making qeej (a reed mouth organ), but if I am the one who is able to help document the process of making it from the beginning to the end, then I hope my knowledge is able to inspire people not to let go of their culture and traditions, not to let go of your ancestors and family spirits… I want to leave this message behind for the future generation.” This exhibit also coincides with the recent UNESCO inscription of the music of the mouth organ or “khaen” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is the very first inscription for the country on the ICH list and a positive step forward for safeguarding the transmission of knowledge, skills, and meaning of this emblematic instrument for future generations. TAEC would like to acknowledge the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation for making this critical research possible, and William Klausner for supporting the creation of the exhibition. Contact: TAEC Website Contact: Kristy Best, kristy@taeclaos.org Mobile +856 20 5544 7895
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Lao Handicrafts Fest Slated for Vientiane
The Lao Handicrafts Association (LHA) is holding the Lao Handicrafts Festival from 27 October -3 November at Lao-ITECC, with more than 200 exhibitors expected to display their wares. Artisans from around the country will be selling a wide range of handmade products including textiles, jewellery, non-timber forest products, recycled and wood products, pottery and cultural items. Food products such as coffee, tea and spices that are grown in Laos also be featured at the event. LHA President Hansana Sisane said the event aims to support the marketing of local handicrafts, and to develop skills and products in handicrafts and weaving. “At present, marketing, product design, quality and limited access to a viable market still pose major challenges for rural handicrafts producers. We Are Lao recently launched a “Crafts & Products” search engine with listings at wearelao.com/crafts-and-products to promote Lao goods. Mr Hansana said, “One week at the Lao Handicraft Festival can dramatically increase their (producers) sales and income.” Items for sale suit all budgets, from souvenirs to high-end collectibles. A prize will also be awarded to the most attractive booth under the theme “Cultural and Natural Heritage with Tourism” as part of marking Visit Laos Year. The festival features two zones: handicrafts and agriculture products, and One District One Product (ODOP) goods. The festival will present fashion shows, craft demonstrations, and product design competitions. The event will also offer opportunities for producers, customers, buyers and sellers to interact, and for craftspeople and exhibitors to learn about new designs, innovations, and techniques they can adapt to improve their product range and quality. For festival info, click here.
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Xieng Khouang Preps Plain of Jars for UNESCO Inspection
By Khonesavanh Latsaphao Minister of Informational, Culture and Tourism Dr Bosengkham Vongdara spent two days discussing final preparations for a UNESCO inspection of the Plain of Jars to be held later this month by International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) experts. This is the final step for UNESCO in evaluating the site as a World Heritage site, which Laos has been working on for 20 years. The Plain of Jars, locally known as Thong Hai Hin, received official UNESCO nomination documentation in May this year. Dr Bosengkham said that final arrangements were being made for meetings with the ICOMOS experts. “Thong Hai Hin in Xieng Khouang will become a famous tourist attraction for Laos following World Heritage listing,” he said. After meeting with the National Heritage Commission in Xieng Khouang this month, the ICOMOS experts will carry out an on-site investigation at the Plain of Jars. According to a report tabled in the meeting, ICOMOS experts will write a report to be presented at the UNESCO meeting in Azerbaijan of June or July next year to support the Plain of Jars’ elevation to World Heritage status. An official told Vientiane Times that while many countries are members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Laos only needed the support of five countries for Thong Hai Hin to be added to the list. He expected China, Vietnam, Japan, Myanmar, Australia and other countries to vote for Laos. The Plain of Jars World Heritage proposal contains 11 separate sites located in the province’s four Districts of Paek, Phaxay, Phoukoud and Kham. Thong Hai Hin actually contains about 80 distinct jar sites, but Laos is including only 11 areas, as they have the highest concentration of jars. Some sites are also found in Phoukhoun District of Luang Prabang Province that borders Xieng Khouang. Laos has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the ancient city of Luang Prabang nominated in 1995 and Vat Phou temple complex in Champasak province, which was nominated in 2001. The ministry is currently working on a submission to UNESCO for the Hin Namno National Protected Area known as the Stone Forest in Khamouanne Province. The area is noted for its unique biodiversity and breath-taking views. If successfully nominated, it would become the nation’s fourth World Heritage Site.
