BASICS - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 81

highly unlikely that Lao officials will confiscate new Buddhas from foreign visitors. The Lao,
when acquiring a Buddha image, pay particular attention to the expression on the Buddha's
face. Does the Buddha look serene? If so, the image is considered auspicious.
Antique brass weights, sometimes referred to as “ opium weights ”, come in a variety of
sizes and shapes. Those cast in zoomorphic figures (stylized birds, elephants, lions, etc) are
an established collectable and command highprices, sometimes selling for hundreds of dol-
lars. Weights of simpler design, such as those shaped like miniature stupas, are much more
affordable and can be bought for just a few dollars in provincial towns.
Opium pipes come in sundry forms as well. Although very few are genuine antiques, the
workmanship is generally quite good as they are produced by pipemakers who once supplied
Vientiane's now-defunct opium dens. A typical pipe may have a bamboo body, a ceramic
bowl and silver or brass ornamentation, and should sell for about $50. During the past few
years Laos has been flooded with reproduction opium pipes from Vietnam. These are more
ornate than the Laos-made pipes, but aren't worth spending more than $10 or so to buy.
Royalist regalia
With the memories of the war that divided Laos fading, paraphernalia associated with the de-
funct kingdom is less likely to offend officials of the present regime, though wearing such
memorabilia in public would be considered poor form. Brass buttons, badges and medals
decorated with the Hindu iconography of the Lao monarchy are sometimes found in gold or
silver jewellery and antique shops. Royal Lao Army hat devices depicting Shiva's trident su-
perimposed on Vishnu's discus and brass buttons decorated with Airavata, the three-headed
elephant, are typical finds.
Woodcarving, rattan, wicker and bamboo
Until tourism created a demand for souvenirs, nearly all examples of Lao woodcarving were
religious in nature - for example, the small, antique, wooden Buddha images which are find-
ing their way into curio shops. For those who have bought a stunning, hand-woven textile
but are unsure of how to display it, there are ornately carved hangers made expressly for
this purpose. Workmanship varies, however, so inspect carefully to ensure that there are no
splinters or jagged edges which may damage the textile. Keep in mind also that large wood-
carvings sometimes crack when transported to less humid climes.
That baskets are an important part of traditional Lao culture is reflected in the language:
Lao has dozens upon dozens of words for them, and they're used in all spheres of everyday
life. Many different forms of basket are used as backpacks ; those made by the Gie-Trieng
tribe in Xekong province are probably the most expertly woven. Baskets are also used for
serving food, such as sticky rice. These mini-baskets come with a long loop of string so
they can be slung over the shoulder when hiking, as sticky rice is the perfect snack on long