Welcome to Above the Fray: Traditional Hilltribe Art

The master artisans of the hilltribe cultures in Laos and Vietnam create the most beautiful hand-woven silk weavings and other timeless arts that can be found in the world.

The artists we represent come from dozens of ethnic groups who live in this remote and mountainous jungle. Despite the challenges of colonialism, war and poverty, the peoples’ millennium-old traditions of symbolic silk weaving and other visual arts have not only been maintained for countless generations, but continue to develop and flourish. Their unique vision, shaped by subsistence farming, a challenging environment, timeless folklore, and a unique blend of animist, ancestor worship, and Buddhist beliefs, has rendered an intricate, unusual and beautiful art.

Learn more about the art of hilltribe weaving by visiting The Artists. Our family’s travel stories and personal relationship with Laos and Vietnam, including our kid’s stories, is chronicled in Above the Fray’s quarterly newsletters.

Every item in our gallery is hand-selected by us directly from the individual artist or in local village markets, and each is carefully chosen for quality, precision, color-play and charm. A photo of the artist with each one-of-a-kind piece is often available; all website photos are taken by Above the Fray.

And if you are ever find yourself in our hometown of Eugene, Oregon, please feel free to look us up! We welcome private showings.


Naturally-dyed, hand-woven silks, ideal as exquisite wall-art and stunning shawls and scarves. Cottons and hemps also represented.		Meet the master artisans, visit a weaving village, and learn about weaving techniques, looms, materials, dyes, and motifs.


Quality bamboo and rattan baskets, big and small, with warm patinas from care and use.	Authentic masks and other ritual items used by shaman and in ceremony and celebration.	Hand-crafted tools, toys and other wares used in daily hilltribe village life.	Unusual and striking personal décor: earrings, necklaces, combs, and more.