Ceremonial textile for ritual use; Tai Daeng or Red Tai ethnic group; Northeastern Laos; silk and natural dyes; discontinuous supplementary weft; 1st quarter 20th c. Mythical animals dominate the patterning (elephant-bird hybrid beasts with human forms on their backs; multi-colored patterns fill the pachyderms abdomens symbolizing pregnancy; secondary motifs include stars, seeds, flowers and other vegetation. Displayed only during ceremonies, including rites of passage such as weddings and funerals. Served as an altar cloth where the shaman set up offerings and his tools to communicate with the spirits, 15" x 50"/ 38cm x 127cm Perfect condition SOLD/THANK you