Whilst silk weaving workshops can be found in most regions of Myanmar, lotus thread weaving can only be found on Inle Lake. This is a painstaking process whereby the root of the lotus plant is cut in to small pieces, then broken to expose the fibers of the plant. It is then rolled by hand in to a thread and the artist starts on the next piece. The thread is woven in to a thick, linen-like fabric and often gifted to monks. It is also sought out by luxury fashion brands such a Loro Piano.
Rhiannon Taylor traveled on Abercrombie & Kent’s Myanmar & the Irrawaddy tour as part of AFAR’s partnership with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, and peace-of-mind to destinations across the globe. For more on Rhiannon’s journey, visit the USTOA blog.
