A collection of photographs from fieldwork in Laos from 1998 to 2001
The photographs are from surveys in several areas, including Luang Namtha Province, Houaphanh Province, Luang Prabang Province, Vientiane Capital, and Xieng Khouang Province.
From 1998 to 1999, the team studied the Phuan and Tai Daeng ethnic groups in Xieng Khouang province and Sam Neua district, Houaphanh province. The photographs reflect the society, culture, and way of life of various ethnic groups, showing their clothing, rice farming, silk rearing, weaving, food gathering, housing, landscapes, transportation, animal husbandry, trade, and alcohol production, among others.
In 2001, Sumit Pitiphat collaborated with Waraporn Panwongklom, Narisa Dejsupa, Tiamjit Puangsomjit, Jarucha Euangmitreepirom, Pichet Saiphan, Suddan Wisudthiluck, and Pakpoom Goga-in to conduct a field study in Luang Namtha province. They studied the Kalom or Lao Yuan ethnic group living there, focusing on their history, religion, beliefs, traditions, rituals, language and culture, and attire.
Also in 2001, Sumit Pitiphat, along with Pichet Saiphan, Thararat Charoensontichai, and Damrongphon Inchan, traveled to survey three Tai ethnic groups in Chiang Ngeun district, Luang Prabang province: the Tai Yuan, Tai Ka, and Tai Muen. They also studied the relationships between these different ethnic groups in Chiang Ngeun through the traditional boat racing competition between villages along the Khan River. Their research also examined the social and cultural changes of the Tai ethnic groups in Chiang Ngeun as they have been influenced by Lao culture. Additionally, they collected data on rituals, beliefs, and symbolic systems that play a role in the Luang Prabang Songkran festival.
