Luang Prabang, Laos - 3 November 2011

In early August, TAEC's Co-Directors travelled to Champassak province to help develop a historical museum on Khong Island. This was a follow-up to a training TAEC provided to the staff of the museum at TAEC in July.

The Done Khong District Museum is a renovated heritage building, formerly the home of the Khong District Governor, Kou Abhay, and his family. With TAEC's help, the museum was divided into two main sections: exhibitions on Khong district and Done Khong history and culture downstairs, and a recreation of the Kou Abhay household upstairs. The staff of the museum is now working on collecting objects, information and photos to create the displays in 2012.

TAEC was hired by the Sustainable Tourism Development Project to provide this advice. TAEC has also been engaged to support museum development in Bokeo, Phongsaly, Xekong and Xieng Khouang provinces by various organisations over the past two years. TAEC has identified and embraced a growing role in building government and community capacity to effectively manage Lao cultural heritage.

While in southern Laos for the Done Khong museum work, TAEC took the opportunity to visit some of our artisan communities producing backstrap loom textiles, bamboo and rattan basketry, and wooden masks and statues.

The producers presented new designs and colours, and we had the opportunity to discuss quality, pricing and upcoming orders. Communication and trust are key when working with rural artisans, and face-to-face meetings always appreciated! Currently, the TAEC Livelihoods Programme provides supplementary income to over 300 households in 12 provinces, including Attapeu, Champassak, Salavan and Savannakhet in the south.

(Picture: Khoun meeting with weaving cooperative members in Houay Houn Tai village, Salavan province. A talented young wood carver in Nong Beung village, Champassak province.)

For more details visit www.taeclaos.org

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wonderful work
written by Agha Iqrar Haroon, November 08, 2011

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