The Oma people number less than 3,000 worldwide, living in 7 communities of the remote mountains of northern Laos. They are known for their vibrant red and black handmade clothing, which is an integral part of their identity and culture. These nine pieces represent exceptional examples of Oma textiles made by master artists. Each piece is a repository of heritage and skill.
VAN LAOLY
Oma Traditional Headwrap
Van Laoly’s work is careful and incredibly detailed, as seen in this piece she created 40 years ago.
ALEH LAOCHOUNG
Oma Traditional Jacket
Aleh, pictured here, made this jacket just after having her first child, circa 1947. She’s now in her 90s.
CHANKHAM
Oma Traditional Headwrap
Chankham gifted this to her daughter-in-law when she left Sengkang Kao Village in 1993.
MEETUE + CHAN
Oma Traditional Headwrap
Meetue wove the cotton in the 1960s and later gifted it to her niece, Chan, who embroidered it into this headwrap.
CHEEPHIEW
Oma Traditional Jacket
This delicate jacket was made by Cheephiew in the 1940s as a young married woman.
LAOCHOUNG
Oma Traditional Headwrap
Created by a Laochoung family elder, this piece has been passed down and used by three generations.
VAN LAOLY #2
Oma Traditional Headwrap
Van Laoly made this piece around 1990, when she was just 30 years old.
LEEVAN
Oma Traditional Headwrap
Leevan finished this piece on 20 April 1998; the exact date of provenance is embroidered on the headwrap.
SENG
Oma Traditional Headwrap
Seng made this for her future daughter-in-law circa 1979, as a wedding gift.
TAEC has partnered with the Oma community of Laos to share their material culture and textile arts with the world. Funds from this sale will be split evenly between the artisan, the Oma initiative to protect and promote their traditional designs, and TAEC.