VTG 1980s Women's Ethnic Thai Meow Hill Tribe Belt Cotton Patch Work Metal Decor

Description

This cotton patchwork belt was hand crafted by artisans from the Meow Hill Tribe living in North Thailand, North of Chieng Rai in the mountains near the Mekong River. Patchwork elements of hand dyed cotton are painstakingly sewn together. The outlines of the design are hand embroidered. The front of the belt is decorated with hand chased aluminum disks, sewn onto the black cotton background. The belt was made in the early 1980's, when tourism wasn't common yet in the area. This is an unique piece, part of the traditional Hill Tribe women's dress.
Details:
Material: Hand dyed cotton and hand crafted aluminum disks.
Color Scheme: Warm tones of red, orange and dark olive contrasted by the cool tones of turquoise,                                  white and silver on a black background.
Dimensions: The belt is about 25 inch long x about 1 3/4 inch wide. The string closure can extend the
belt to about 27 inch length when knotted loosely.
Condition: Vintage condition, no visible damages to the textile. The antique look hand dye is intentional.
There are slight dents in the metal discs intended by the craftsmen to give the belt it's rustic
antique look.