A Tai Lue ethnic minority woman holds a skein of naturally coloured brown cotton, Ban Bimi, Sayaboury province, Lao PDR.  The Tai Lue are known as expert weavers particularly of cotton which they cultivate locally. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
{}