Cotton Indigo with Cotton Embroidery
Woven, Dyed, Sewn & Hand-embroidered by the Lanten Women, Luang Namtha, Luang Namtha Province. Approximately 10 cm x 10 cm. Designs vary, no one exactly the same. 

An original design by these women. Lanten, or also known as Iu Mien, people came to Laos originally from China, and have small communities in the most northern provinces of Laos. Known for their dark indigo traditional clothing, which can still be seen in daily life. 

Matesai works with women in remote areas of Northern Laos to design and develop fresh product and provide access to the international market. Purchase of this product directly provides income to each individual woman, as well as their families and their village.

Our products are locally made with natural materials by the hands of artisans we trust. Slight variation in color, texture, and pattern are common and are celebrated, as products may be produced by several different women.

We trade with and provide training for many of our artisans to improve their skills and increase income for their families. Because so many of our artisans live in remote communities, our efforts help provide access to markets their personal networks are unable to reach.