Ethnic groups in northern Thailand | 1968 | This wooden bridge with a thatched roof, crossing a stream, has been built for the stream’s native spirit. According to Lisu belief, such stream spirits require the building of a bridge by anyone whom the spirit has made unwell, and bridges are thus built at the suggestion of a shaman. The shot was taken in 1969. | Photograph
Ethnic groups in northern Thailand | 1968 | Blossoming poppy fields in 1969. Members of various hill tribes (Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Lisu, Akha) plant seeds from the opium poppy for the resinous gum it produces. In the morning they use knives to scrape the poppies until the resin flows, and in the afternoon use knives or thin bamboo sticks to sweep away the opium gum. | Photograph
Ethnic groups in northern Thailand | 1968 | A Lisu man playing a musical instrument known as a Khaen (Pa Li Fu Lu in the Lisu tongue), made from calabash and bamboo, and traditionally played in the New Year ceremony. Shot taken in Ban Lum, Papae, Maetang District, Chiang Mai Province, in 1969. | Photograph
Ethnic groups in northern Thailand | 1968 | A Lisu man playing the Pa Li Fu Lu in the New Year ceremony at Ban Thapha, Papae, Maetang District, Chiang Mai Province, in 1975. | Photograph
Ethnic groups in northern Thailand | 1968 | Prasert Chaiyaphikusit and an American volunteer take to their motorcycles to visit Lisu villagers at Ban Thapha, Papae, Maetang District, Chiang Mai Province, in 1975. | Photograph
