Highland Life: Ethnic Minorities

Highland and Lowland Life

Laos is a small country inhabited by a wide range of minority people. While the Lao generally live in the valleys the uplands are the homes of these ethnic minorities, each with their own distinct culture. During the war years leading up to 1975 many of these people were forced to leave their homes and migrate westward, settling in special camps set up for these displaced people.

Many of these came to the area in Boukeo province surrounding the town of Ban Houei Sai in the northwest. I was privileged to be there in April 1974 and took the opportunity to visit some of their villages. My visit also coincided with the official opening of the new Ban Houei Sai market.

The communities pictured here had rarely lived side‑by‑side in the highlands. Suddenly they were sharing water sources, food lines, medical posts, and temporary shelters. For many, it was the first time they had lived in close proximity to groups outside their own clan or language family.

SECTION III Life in the Villages 1972-1975

Opening of Houei Sai market 1974

A combined group of ethnic people together with dignitaries including US ambassador Whitehouse

Tai Lue ladies Houei Sai 1974

Wearing indigo and black jackets with patterned sinh skirts and white headwraps, reflecting age and village‑level variations in Tai Lue clothing

Balloons at the opening of new Houei Sai market

Opening Houei Sai Market 1974

Celebrities attend the official opening of the new Houei Sai market. These include US Ambassador Whitehouse and local dignitaries

Giant catfish in market Houei Sai 1974

This giant catfish (Pa Beuk) was caught in the Mekong River by the town mayor. US Ambassador Whitehouse hears the story

Houei Sai mayor with Catfish 1974

At the opening of the Ban Houei Sai market the mayor draws much attention as he talks of how he caught this giant catfish (Pa Beuk) in the Mekong River. It weighed around 90 kg. Here he is being interviewed.

Lady with child Nam Mo 1974

Dressed immaculately and sheltered from the sun by her parasol she displays great dignity and calm despite ling in this camp for people displaced from their homes to the east due to the ongoing conflict

Hmong Daw man Houei Sai 1974

A toothy smile from a friendly Hmong man who was happy to pose for a photo – as many are.

Akha man Houei Sai 1974

A handsome Akha trader wearing traditional black turban and jacket with embroidered trim. Note the silver neck rings around his neck

Khmu Boy with bamboo utensils Nam Mo 1974

A moment of everyday upland life, using bamboo containers and ladles typical of Khmu household traditions.

Akha ladies with rice sacks Nam Mo 1974

A recent rice drop provides a good supply for the Nam Mo camp of Khmu and Hmong displaced by the war

Khmu lady in Nam Mo 1974

A classic photo of elderly Khmu lady in the Nam Mo camp set up for people displaced by the war. This camp only existed 1972-1975

Boys carrying rice sack Nam Mo 1974

Sacks of rice have just fallen out of the sky, from a rice drop, and these boys help collect them

Tai Lue ladies in Houei Sai 1974

Wearing indigo jackets, bright woven sinh skirts, and multiple silver neck rings typical of Tai Lue ceremonial attire.

Akha Ulo girl Houei Sai 1974

Catching portrait of Akha girl with full head dress – and some gold teeth showing

Akha ladies Houei Sai 1974

Four Akha ladies with similar trousers but different head dresses – two different subgroups – the Puli and the Ulo

Iu Mien girl Houei Sai 1974

The Iu Mien (Yao) are a proud minority group with a long tradition. The red ruff around her neck is intrinsic part of a woman’s daily dress and makes them easy to identify.

Hmong Daw silversmith Ban Xone1973

All Hmong wear traditional silver necklace with ornate attachments

Hmong Daw man Houei Sai 1974

A toothy smile from a friendly Hmong man who was happy to pose for a photo – as many are.

Hmong elder Houei Sai 1974

An elderly Hmong Daw man awaiting a ride to the Ban Houei Sai hospital

Hmong silversmith Ban Xone 1973

Clever artisans do some incredible work to produce striking Hmong silverware

Iu Mien trio Houei Sai 1974

There are many Iu Mien living in the area. They have their own villages and grow their own indigo for dying (Indigofera tinctoria) as part of their tradition.

Iu Mien village Houei Sai

A Iu Mien lady walks down the street of her village, showing typical housing

Iu Mien trio Houei Sai 1974

Note that their dress is easily recognizable in their working clothes, not just special occasions. Indigo dye is grown locally.

Iu Mien lady cooking Houei Sai 1974

Cooking food in her wok at home this Iu Mien lady spares a smile…

Khmu children in Houei Sai 1974

A Khmu boy displays loving care for his younger sister

Ban Xone water feed 1973

A water supply and a heavily pregnant sow feature in this Hmong village

Hmong Daw girls sewing Ban Xone 1973

Known also as Blue Hmong they do some amazing work with applique and embroidery to create the most beautiful clothes.

Ban Xone blacksmith 1973

While his friend pumps the bellows the blacksmith shapes his iron tools

Hmong Daw girl with headdress and necklace

Hmong Daw girl in Vientiane 1972

A close-up of this Hmong Daw girl wearing the traditional headdress and elaborate silver necklace

Hmong Daw sisters in Vientiane 1972

These Blue Hmong sisters are wearing alternative styles of Hmong clothing – one with pleated skirt and the other with trousers. Note their silver neck-wear. They lived in Vientiane

Hmong Daw youth Vientiane 1972

The men are not so often seen in traditional wear, including his silver necklace

Hmong Daw contemporary girl Vientiane 1974

This Hmong young lady lived in Vientiane and was drawn to western clothing. She is the same one as pictured in traditional clothing 1972 with her sister.