Ethnology Museum
Opens in Luang Prabang!
 |
Khmu clothing
and looms exhibit |
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre has
opened its doors in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. A private museum,
the Centre features exhibits of ethnic artefacts, a museum shop,
and the Patio Café.
The Official Opening was held on 5 July, attended
by Kongchanh Khammavong, Chairman of the Lao National Front
for Construction, Luang Prabang Province, William Booth, Managing
Director of Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company, and over 100 business
people, government officials, and tour companies.
As a new tourist and cultural attraction for
Luang Prabang, the response from visitors has been very positive.
“I am going to tell the Governor about the Centre and
he will need to visit soon – this is a very good initiative,”
said Mr. Khammavong. “Many tourists are interested in
learning more about ethnic groups and the exhibits are very
professional and well-lit,” said Caroline Gaylard, of
Tamarind Restaurant.
 |
Lanten Priest's
Robes |
The Centre exhibits ethnic clothing, household
objects, religious artefacts, and handicrafts, with information
in English and Lao languages. The Museum Shop sells books, photos
and exclusive handicrafts directly from ethnic communities.
The Patio Cafe, run by L’Elephant Restaurant,
serves food and drinks with a view of That Chomsi. Guided tours
and seminars are available on request. Thongkhoun Soutthivilay,
Co-Director of TAEC explains, “Our objective is to help
locals and visitors learn about the different ethnic groups
of northern Laos. We also want to provide a new and interesting
learning experience.”
 |
Patio Cafe |
Funds from entry fees, donations, and services
go to the running of the Centre and developing activities that
promote cultural diversity and preservation.
The Centre is the brainchild of Tara Gujadhur
and Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, the founders and co-directors.
Tara Gujadhur is an American who worked as an advisor to the
Luang Prabang Tourism Office for 3 years before starting this
project. Thongkhoun Soutthivilay has been working at the Luang
Prabang National Museum for over 6 years, and is currently the
Collection Manager. Together they began work on TAEC over one
year ago, finding and renovating a heritage building, researching
and working with ethnic communities, and building a collection.
They hope that the Centre will be a resource for anyone wanting
to appreciate and preserve the cultural diversity of Laos.
 |
Mien Yao exhibit |
For more information please contact:
Tara Gujadhur and Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, Directors
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang
Tel/Fax: 071 253 364
E-mail: information@taeclaos.org
Web : www.taeclaos.org
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