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| Introduction |
| Laos is an extremely interesting country, which has a diverse and plentiful art style. Either during the history of art or in modern times, Laos's art is beautiful and unique. This web site covers all types of Laos's art such as; Literature, Visual arts, and even drama otherwise known as music. Furthermore, this web site portrays the exceptional beauty that has been captured in Laos's artwork throughout many centuries. |
| Target Links |
| Literature | Visual Arts |
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| Web Links |
| http://laoconnection.com/l_litart.htm |
| http://tuvy.com/Countries/Laos/cultural_life_of_laos.htm |
| http://www.wwcd.org/policy/clink/Laos.html#PERF |
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| Literature |
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Literature in Laos is great tradition, and is an important part of Lao's
interesting culture. In Laos, literature is not only unique but it
is beautiful and intricate. Unfortunately very little is known concerning
the history of Lao's literature because of the harsh climate conditions
and the poor paper, which resulted in the literature becoming illegible.
The other reason that there is not many records of Laos literature in history
is because Laos is because of the battles that were fought and their political
instability. Despite of the obstacles Laos's literature had to face a few
facts are evident.
Laotian language was created in the fourteenth century and is read from left to right. The Laotian language contains fifteen vowels and thirty constants. The first record of Laos's traditional literature is from the 15th and 16th century and it differs prominently from western literature because Laos does not write fiction literature. Of all the literature that has been written ninety percent has a religious theme, which is Buddhist, linked or is a historical document and the traditional literature was not meant for entertainment, in fact, it was used as education or a teaching tool. For example, Pra Lak Pra Lam, more commonly known as Ramanya is a popular story in Laos that is about this struggle of a young prince trying to save young princes and other creature he meets during his adventure. Other popular classifications of Laotian literature include folk tales, children's stories, proverbs and parables. Many times in traditional literature folklore were incorporated to provide historical information so it was passed down from one generation to the next. In addition, oral literature, which is spoken, has been a Laos custom throughout many centuries. In Laos, all poems are recited from memory. Some skilled poets can even recite poems, which can go on for six hours. In Laos there are also contests in which poets attempt to create spontaneous poems. In Laos, there are three masterpieces; the Vetsantrasadok, the Sin Xay, Thao Hung. The Vetsantrasadok is the most popular of the three masterpieces and concerns the existence of Buddha before his amazing enlightenment. This story educated and taught about reincarnation. Sin Xay is by a poet named Phangkham and is concerning a boy named sin Xay whose is born holding a bow and arrow, his brother is a snail and his step brother is a golden tusked elephant. Sin Xay is by the last masterpiece is named Thao Hung which is a historical epic that describes the struggle between the ancient families in Indochina. Today, literature in Laos is soft and quiet. Unfortunately, literature is not as spectacular as it should or could be. There is not as much literature because publishing is a small business. The modern literature is romantic and predictable and on more of a sociological level. Now the literature is also displayed in magazines and newspapers. Many of the literature are more romantic than the traditional moralistic themes. Overall Laos's literature has overcome many endeavors and is progressing to its potential. |
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| Music/Drama |
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Laotian music is usually soothing, connected notes built on a pentatonic
scale consisting of five notes. Traditionally, Lao music is written in
minor chords and sounds like it will continue on when it ends, unlike western
music. Like in literature most of the traditional Lao songs are passed
on by word of mouth and are rarely written down.
The basis of Laotian music is placed on the Khene a series of bamboo sticks of different lengths. Other traditional Lao instruments are the: Khouy which is a Bamboo Flute without key, the So also known as the So O or So I which is a violin consisting of two cords, The Nang Nat or Nat Row is a genuine xylophone and is among the percussion instruments, and the Khong Vong a series of sixteen cymbals struck, for effect, by a cloth covered mallet. The Laotian people still listen to these traditional tunes and have adopted some western songs and rhythms however their music seems to be more popular. The Lao people have also developed a form of dancing that is very similar to our folk style square dancing. Using similar music people will get into a circle and copy certain moves. They have also developed a form of line dancing close to our own. Dancing is also a professional and prestigious job in Laos. |
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| Visual Arts |
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Laos arts provide jobs for men and woman all over the country. They
provide an arrangement of attractions for tourists to visit, and they supply
some with the entertainment of creating their masterpiece. Lets start
with the visual arts. Laos is most famous for its weavings. Most
women in the small villages of Laos weave in order to support themselves.
The materials used for weaving are silk and cotton. Cotton weavings are
used as a long skirt that is wrapped around the legs.
Forms of Weaving: Chok- an interesting pattern that is a discontinuous pattern that is contains with hidden shapes MatMi- is commonly known as ikat which is the most popular method using serial nature images. Some intricate patterns depict images of nature related items, and images relating to the religion, and the ever powerful sight of enlightenment. Originally silver and gold thread fell under a technique category called PA BIANG that was for members of the royalty. Certain colors resembled power and the family in which you belonged to. Now many different designs and directions of weaving are apparent. The most famous textile is ikat; a hand-woven intricate design. The patterns are so intricate that as little as _ inch can be woven a day. There are two types of looms one is called the frame floor loom, the other is a body tension loom.
Others forms of art are sculpture, carvings, paintings, all of these are
apparent in temples which is where the first forms of art are apparent.
Today most art still is mostly based upon nature and religion.
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| Bibliography |
| Books:
Culture Grams, Linden, Utah: Axiom Press, Inc., 2002 Periodicals
CD Rom
Internet:
"Literature",
"Art" (Online) Available http://laoconnection.com/l_litart.htm
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