These gorgeous silk scarves that can also be used for display are all naturally-dyed, featuring bands of alternating nagas and birds, two of the most important motifs featured in Lao textiles. Nagas are dragon or serpent-like beings with the word Naga coming from the Buddhist language Pali and in Lao it is called Nak. Nagas are often seen as benevolent beings that protect and save humans from illnesses, hunger and bad spirits, and Buddhists revere the Naga as he saved Buddha from the floods. Nagas are not only a prominent feature in textiles, but in temple designs and at Laos Essential Artistry we have an entire set of photos featuring nagas in Laos
here. The Naga is also important to animists as it is believed to be an ancestor spirit, and is often called a Ngeuak, especially by the Tai Daeng (Red Tai) people.
"Birds represent the coming into being (birth) of people on earth, as well as their departure; they are the vehicles by which babies come to their families, and by which the deceased's soul rises up to the heavenly world. Thus, they represent the continuity of life from generation to generation. The serpent (ngueak/naak/naga) represents life lived once here on earth. In terms of the dangers and difficulties of ordinary life, serpents are both the dangers humans experience as well the protection against these dangers; hence the serpent must be constantly propitiated and kept very close so that humans can make sure nothing goes amiss. The serpent also represents fertility and prosperity, and so must be present and treated well during all times of healing and promotion of well-being. TOGETHER, these two promote great good fortune in all aspects of human life, if treated well and properly honored. -- they are a pair, who together provide balance and well-being.” – Elli Findly
These silk scarves are not only artistic masterpieces, they are rich with meaning and strongly protective with the pairing of birds and nagas. We try our best with photographing our textiles, and we know what we are doing, but without a doubt, these silk scarves are much more beautiful “in person.” The naturally-dyed colors are captivating and the contrasting bands of ikat perfectly set off the intricately-woven nagas and birds. You will not be disappointed with these silk scarves. Each of these scarves takes approximately ten days to weave.
We encourage you to click on the item photo (where it says "Click to Enlarge" and Additional Images tab to see alternative views and close-ups of the silk scarves. These photos tend to be richer and more true to the real color of the scarves.
