the Guardian Spirit Ritual of Lau,Mae Hong Son Province

1987 – A Lua woman weaving on a porch. This traditional method of weaving involves the loom being tied around the waist of the weaver, who sits down to weave.

the Guardian Spirit Ritual of Lau,Mae Hong Son Province

1987 – A Lua woman weaving on a porch. This traditional method of weaving involves the loom being tied around the waist of the weaver, who sits down to weave.

the Guardian Spirit Ritual of Lau,Mae Hong Son Province

1987 – A Lua woman weaving on a porch. This traditional method of weaving involves the loom being tied around the waist of the weaver, who sits down to weave.

the Guardian Spirit Ritual of Lau,Mae Hong Son Province

1987 – A Lua woman weaving on a porch. This traditional method of weaving involves the loom being tied around the waist of the weaver, who sits down to weave.

the Guardian Spirit Ritual of Lau,Mae Hong Son Province

1987 – A Lua man is making a ta laew symbol, believed to offer protection from evil. Such ta laew are inserted into the ground near the entrance to every household. During the guardian spirit ritual it is forbidden to enter the village for three days and three nights, and during this time the ta laew demarcates the boundary of the ritual area and protects against evil.