The Red Dao wedding dress is seen as the summit of success in a women’s sewing accomplishments. Mother and daughter are known to spend up to a year making nothing else but a brand new ceremonial outfit, in preparation for the big day. The Dao have maintained their traditional culture in costumes and language. Although they include many groups living in many different localities, they speak one language. They have preserved a close-knit community that respects traditional spiritual beliefs and rituals. Ly May, and Cheo Ta May, welcomed me into their homes on two separate rainy afternoons to meet their daughters, Twenty-six-year-old Tansu May, and twenty-four-year-old Ly Ta May. My guide had arranged with them to allow me the privilege to photograph them in their wedding attire. The clothing was carefully removed from an array of different coloured plastic bags, and they were stored inside a large bamboo basket. I asked if I could borrow one of Ly May`s plastic chairs and convinced my guide that the only way I would have enough light was to place the ladies under the protection of the overhanging roof. The chair was placed in the open courtyard while an umbrella was held over me. The rain continued for the entire time and the location and lighting were the best that I could achieve. There was a lot of laughter from the ladies at my difficult and unpleasant situation. At Cheo Ta May`s house, I used an overhanging tree branch to partially protect me as they dressed under the eaves.
Tight Fit©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
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Ly Ta May wearing a tight-fitting head-piece |
Prepared Carefully©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
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Tansu May preparing to receive her wooden head-piece |
The women are still grooming themselves in the traditional fashion of having a receding hairline and plucked eyebrows. The first significant piece of embroidery each woman makes is her headscarf. Each headscarf made shows the individuality and skill of the embroiderer. No two scarves are the same. The fabrics used today are primarily cotton purchased from the markets along with cotton and synthetic embroidery threads. |
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Cheo Ta May plucks along her hairline to make sure no hair shows beneath the headdress, which is worn not only for beauty but for protection from the cold wind and fog of Sapa. |
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