Olympus OM-2N | Kodak Plus-x
Xieng Khouang province is the most heavily-bombed province in Laos, the most heavily-bombed country in the world (per capita). Villagers around the province still face daily danger from unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the fields. Ban Tha Jok, a Hmong village, is one of the most well-known for taking scrap metal found nearby and re-purposing it for fences, supports for animal coops, or small gardens.

Much of the materials that brought them fame is now sold to Vietnamese traders, and villagers are actively discouraged from trying to obtain more due to high potential for injury or death.

UXO Survivors' Centre
Mines Advisory Group

Posted on February 2, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Kodak Tri-x
Xieng Khouang province is the most heavily-bombed province in Laos, the most heavily-bombed country in the world (per capita). Villagers around the province still face daily danger from unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the fields. Ban Tha Jok, a Hmong village, is one of the most well-known for taking scrap metal found nearby and re-purposing it for fences, supports for animal coops, or small gardens.

Much of the materials that brought them fame is now sold to Vietnamese traders, and villagers are actively discouraged from trying to obtain more due to high potential for injury or death.

UXO Survivors' Centre
Mines Advisory Group

Posted on February 2, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Kodak Tri-x@800
Wat Xieng Moune. At this temple, monks from all over Laos participate in a UNESCO program to re-teach the skills of designing and maintaining temples. The program began about 10-11 years ago, and runs 3 years at a time. More monks were involved when they were studying painting and drawing, then some dropped out when they started Buddha sculpture, and by the time they were doing wood-carving only 4 young monks remained.

Novice Phet, pictured, wishes to only remain a monk for a few more years, then travel around the country improving temples as a master craftsman, just like his teacher.

Posted on February 2, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Kodak Tri-x@800
Wat Xieng Moune. At this temple, monks from all over Laos participate in a UNESCO program to re-teach the skills of designing and maintaining temples. The program began about 10-11 years ago, and runs 3 years at a time. More monks were involved when they were studying painting and drawing, then some dropped out when they started Buddha sculpture, and by the time they were doing wood-carving only 4 young monks remained.

Posted on February 2, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0)