"The first study of Lao-Tai textiles to focus specifically on the relation between the figural designs of the textiles and their religious meaning and use. Based primarily on interviews with weavers and shamans from Hua Phan province, Laos, this study highlights the layered meanings of design elements and their roles in providing protection and power both in everyday life and in ritual performance. Using rich data from shamans' narratives about their trance experiences, the author provides first-hand insight into how shamanic visions shape the visual appearance of a ritual textile."--Page [4] of cover.