Ock Pop Tok is a pioneering social enterprise that works with local artisans to sustain and promote traditional Laotian textile techniques. Since its founding in 2000, the organisation has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve this aspect of Laos’ cultural identity.
Through their collective efforts Ock Pop Tok has revitalised interest in these textiles both domestically and internationally. More broadly, they have provided a sustainable model of how traditional arts can be preserved and adapted in the modern world.
EXO Travel is proud to partner with Ock Pop Tok as part of our ‘Travel for Good’ initiative which identifies and promotes more sustainable travel options to travellers. Through meaningful activities and visits to Ock Pop Tok’s Living Crafts Centre in Luang Prabang, we support their efforts and help generate both short and long term impact.
‘We want more and more women – especially the new generation – to be involved in the production of textiles and put Lao textiles on the world map,’ explains Valerie Olla, Ock Pop Tok’s Head of Sales and Marketing. ‘The more people know about Lao textiles – so the more guests EXO brings to Ock Pop Tok – the more opportunities there will be for Lao artisans to be asked for consent (for reproduction) and for the work of Lao artisans to be credited and compensated’.
Read on to learn more about Ock Pop Tok’s incredible work and how travellers can support their mission through EXO’s Travel for Good experiences.
‘With our growth has come the chance to help support and foster artisans throughout this beautiful country’.
At its core, Ock Pop Tok (Lao for ‘East Meets West’) is dedicated to the preservation, celebration and continuation of traditional Laotian textile techniques. This is important for several reasons.
Culturally, textiles are an essential component of Laos’ rich heritage, embodying centuries-old techniques and knowledge passed down through generations. Renowned for their intricate patterns, the textiles encompass a variety of techniques such as weaving, dyeing and batik. Each pattern tells a story, each colour symbolises a piece of Lao culture.
Economically, the textile industry is a significant source of income for many rural communities, where traditional skills can provide sustainable livelihoods.
Valerie explains, ‘What started with 5 weavers has grown to working with more than 500 artisans around Laos, through our Village Weavers Project. With our growth has come the chance to help support and foster artisans throughout this beautiful country.’
Ock Pop Tok takes a multi-pronged approach to their mission of preserving Lao textiles:
Raising awareness: The Living Crafts Centre, located on the banks of the Mekong River, provides workshops and tours that provide insight into the complexities of Laos textiles, fostering appreciation on a global market.
Education and empowerment: Ock Pop Tok provides training and support to local artisans, empowering them to continue their craft while innovating within the tradition. As well, it helps ensure that these skills are valued and passed on to future generations.
Innovation within tradition: While deeply rooted in tradition, Ock Pop Tok also encourages innovation, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs. This fusion not only appeals to a broader market but also ensures the craft’s relevance and sustainability.
Sustainability: Ock Pop Tok promotes the use of natural materials and dyes, contributing to environmental conservation and offering a counter-narrative to fast fashion and mass production.
How to support:
EXO’s ‘Weaving and Textiles’ Luang Prabang day tour is an immersive experience, with guests partaking in every step of the weaving process at Ock Pop Tok, from the silk worms to dying to pattern making. This experience can be integrated into any of our tailor made Laos’ journeys.
Valerie explains other options for travellers, ‘Through the free tours we offer of our Living Crafts Centre as well as free demonstrations by artisans on silk and cotton reeling, guests can learn more about Laos through textiles. Tourists can also learn traditional crafts (weaving, hmong batik, bamboo weaving, natural dyeing, and more) from local artisans in one of our many classes and workshops. All of which creates a better understanding of Lao textiles and the craftsmanship involved which then converts into sales’
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