Silver bowl used for various traditions and ceremonies in Houa Khong Province

Photographer

Bowman, James

Date

• 1973

Summary

• A silver bowl like this is used for various ceremonies and traditions, religious and non-religious, by primarily the Lu and Lao ethnic groups in Houa Khong Province. This bowl was crafted by a Lu silversmith. The bowl can be carried by a male or female to a Buddhist temple to donate food to the monks or carry flowers and candles, or sometimes as the centerpiece for creating the base of a flower arrangement for the traditional "baci", or string tying ceremony. These usages are typically practiced by the Lu and Lao, both Buddhist adherents.