Reading and chatting

Two women sit discuss the news outside a rope and mat shop in Hanoi. (Learn more)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Learn more

Most Southeast Asians use woven mats somewhere in their homes, often as decorative floor coverings, but also sometimes as spaces for eating or sleeping. Mats essentially pre-date most forms of furniture in Southeast Asia, and they were originally all woven from natural plant fibers, usually palm fronds.

As this picture shows, mats and ropes in urban areas now mostly are made from synthetic fibers, dyed in a wide variety of bright colors. The heavy-gauge ropes probably are sold not just for household use, but also to shipping and packing companies.

Woven or beaded curtains for sale are visible at the top of the frame. These are used in some homes or restaurants as room dividers.

Learn more about .

Powered by LEARN NC