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Laos Essential Artistry Posting Page
Monday, November 10, 2008
 New 1000 KIP note above, old 1000 KIP note below  So, what do you think? The big difference is that in the new 1000 KIP note they used real Lao women as their models. Bai and I like the note and what's even more impressive is that the models actually appear to be ethnically the same as the ethnic group they are representing. Often, the Lao will use Lao Loum (majority Lao) women to represent all the ethnic groups and just have them wear the clothes of that particular group as shown in the photo below of Lao dancers representing the three same ethnic groups. But here, it's clear the Hmong young woman, is really Hmong. It's hard to tell with the Lao Theung young woman, but we would assume she is Lao Theung (one of the indigenous Lao ethnic groups).  In a Vientiane Times article where various people were questioned about what they thought of the new 1000 KIP notes, we liked the following response which of course connects with Laos Essential Artistry! An employee at Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao, Mr Bounkorn phouthichai: I approve of the new 1,000 kip note because it is more attractive and is also difficult for criminals to copy. The central bank wanted to issue an improved version of the banknote to encourage more people to use it. I think the picture of three real women on the note helps to promote our rich culture. The women come from each of our three main ethnic groups and the pictures show visitors the traditional dress of our people. They can see that Lao women still wear the traditional long skirt (sinh) and the use of a photograph helps to prevent forgeries." Peter has quantities of the older 1000 KIP note, in brand new condition, that he hands out at workshops he gives in the California region on Laos because the portrayal of the three young women representing the three major ethnic groupings is a great way to begin talking about the rich ethnic diversity in Laos. And of course he is eager to add the new 1000 KIP note to his collection. We're in the process of getting ready to return to Laos in December and we've talked to friend in Laos and it seems that the dollar is less in demand now, and that most Lao prefer to be paid in KIP. The KIP has seemed to rise slowly in value over the year, whereas the Thai baht has dropped over the last couple of months. by: Laos Essential Artistry 
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