Gross measurement: 81.7 x 39 cm
The headcloth ('phaa piao') is the most distinctive feature of the Tai Dam women’s garments. This particular piece has red and black geometric designs and colourful border bands and warp thread tassels on one end.The headcloth is usually worn such that the decorative patch red centre-field is revealed and thus indicates the wearer's marital status. A married woman wraps the cloth to expose her face fully while young girl would wear it hanging lower on her forehead.One of the largest Tai groups, the Tai Dam (Black Tai) originated from China and migrated into Southeast Asia over the centuries. They constitute the largest group in Vietnam while in Laos, they are scattered in the uplands in Houa Phan province near the Vietnam border.
