There have been two recent articles in the Vientiane Times about Lao sinhs and modernity. It's interesting to see how the Lao are caught between traditionalism and modernity in thinking about the future of women wearing sinhs. The basic tubular form I doubt will never change and it seems that Lao women aren't yet ready to abandon hand-woven silk cloth for machine-woven cloth (polyester, etc.). There are almost infinite motifs woven into sinh fabric and a variety of traditional styles, such as ikat or lai kohn or sinh muk. The fact is that Lao women have a much larger variety of sinh fabric to chose from than American women would have of a particular dress style. It's just that the sinh will always be associated with the basic tubular form, the wrap-around style of rectangular fabric. Here in America, probably most Lao women consider wearing the sinh ultra-traditional and appropriate when going to a Buddhist wat, but probably way too quaint to wear when going out on the town. At least that's the way it is in Sacramento. Remember we probably have the largest selection of Lao sinhs here in the states! In the photo above Bai's sister is on the right and her two cousins are on the left as the pose in front of That Luang. Here's the article:
"Call
for Modern Sinhs
Many Lao women still wear traditional
skirts (sinhs) every day, but modern fashion trends are pushing producers to
develop their sinh and blouse patterns to attract young people and respond to
their needs.
Increasing demand from local women and
visitors has allowed some families, skilled in weaving sinhs, to send their
products, or move their family, to Vientiane where they can work full-time as
weavers and improve their living conditions. The modern silk sinh and blouse
styles have developed as a mix of elements from various regions across the
country, helping to modernize the designs.
President of Lao Women's Business
Association, Ms Chanthao Pathammavong said in the past Lao women wove textiles
and sinhs primarily for use within their families. Now they are focusing more
on markets and improving their designs to meet domestic market demands.
Women from different ethnic groups now
weave many different types of patterns using a variety of techniques and are
learning to use colors that are most in demand. In the past, sinhs were highly valued
in Laos, probably more than any other handicraft product, providing women with
a basic need – clothing.
Ms Chanthao argued that today's newer
technology and wider advertising has allowed modern clothing industries to more
easily attract the public, leading to a decline in traditional weaving. At
present, if sinh weavers don't adjust their patterns and colors to look more
modern, they may find it difficult to attract young women, which may lead to a
decline in the prevalence of sinhs worn for traditional events. This has a
negative impact on weavers' income and may even lead to unemployment, but makes
it especially difficult to preserve this valued Lao tradition. Though modern
sinh patterns may revive interest in wearing the skirts, even outside the
country, they should remain appropriate and adhere to their traditional
propriety.
Today, Lao traditional skirts have
developed more than most other handicrafts and have become famous among tourists
who buy them as gifts for friends and relatives. Interest in the delicate and
beautiful patterns of Lao sinhs expands to Thailand, Cambodia and Japan ,
demonstrating the potential for overseas exports.
Ms Chanthao explained that if we want
to see foreigners wearing sinhs, the answer is simple. Lao women can help
preserve tradition and culture, while ensuring employment of weavers, by
continuing to weave and wear sinhs.
A weaver in Simeuang village, Ms
Latsame Phathomma, expressed her view that it is presently necessary to adjust
sinh styles to fit into modern fashions in order to keep the art of hand-weaving
alive. Though the look and style may evolve, the integrity and standards of the
product should remain. For example a sinh consists of 3 different parts, the
hua sinh (waistband), pheun sinh (body, main part) and the tdin sinh (hem).
Weavings with different designs and colours come from each portion of the
country and reflect the culture, social relationships and beliefs from
community to community and region to region. "
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