Joel Halpern is an anthropologist who worked in Laos in 1957, 1959 and 1969, with a particular focus on the Lao elite. His collection of 55 artifacts contains many examples of Lao textiles and other collectibles.

Vietnam

In 1950s to the 1960s, Betty Grenig’s husband Robert Grenig was stationed with US Army in a host of Asian countries, including Vietnam. Much of this collection of 19 artifacts and 11 photographs comes from the Montagnards, an ethnic group who live 20 miles outside of Hue. It includes baskets, hats, weapons and a rain cloack made of plant materials.

Objects of Everyday Life in Laos

Sociologist Anna Gillespie lived and worked largely in Vientiane, Laos from 1994 to 2009. She referred to her collection of 40 artifacts as “Objects of Everyday Life.” The collection mainly consists of a wide array of items made of bamboo that includes fish traps, tables and baskets used to prepare and store food.