Rongao Vietnamese Tribal Vintage Hand Woven Loin Cloth

From the Rongao ethnic minority, southwest highlands of Vietnam, this men's loin cloth is a very rare and unusual piece. Woven on a back strap loom in a single continuous band of heavy duty cotton, the ground of the cloth is indigo dyed dark blue bordering on black (very dependant on the ambient lighting as you can see from the attached photos). It is bordered on each long side with a band of detailed red, white and blue striping and is finished on both short edges with a supplementary weft band finished with a row of Jobs tears (both on the front face of the textile and the underside) and a long twined fringe. All in all this is a very complex and detailed woven textile and would not be out of place in a museum collection.

Mid 20th century or earlier. In excellent condition apart from a couple of very small discolouration marks.

There are only 18,000 recognised Rongao people left in existence.

Measurements: 400 cm (157.48") continuous length (not including fringe), add an additional 68 cm (26.7") for the fringe, giving a total length of 468 cm (184.2"), 30 cm (11.8") width.

Textile reference: Textiles and Clothing of Viet Nam: a History