The Tai Lue people, an indigenous ethnic group living in Ban Vieng Keo village in northwest Laos, are famous for their elephants and their cotton. The first Tai Lue families settled this fertile area in 1948 with three elephants, and these animals have continued to be core to village life. Every February, the Tai Lue throw a festival celebrating the elephants and blessing them with long life and good health. In addition, Tai Lue weavers are known across Laos for their cotton farming, spinning, and weaving skills. This ornament was created from hand spun cotton and natural dyes to celebrate the annual elephant festival.
