The Man of Louang Namtha (Lao: ຜູ້ຊາຍ ຫລວງນໍ້າທາ), is a 300-year-old Laotian miniature wood carving owned by Ted Wassanasong, who claims it is the embodiment of the Lao spirit. The wood carving makes a single appearance in the Season 10 episode "Orange You Sad I Did Say Banana?."
Appearance[]
The Man of Louang Namtha is a wood carving depicted as an adult Laotian male rice paddy field farmer. He wears an oversized shirt, trousers, and a conical hat, commonly worn by farmers throughout Asia. The farmer is carrying a tool which appears to be a long hoe. The carving appears light weight, as Ted can keep it in his pocket and hold it in the palm of his hand.
History[]
Season 10[]
Ted criticizes Kahn on how he has lost touch with his Laotian heritage. Ted tells Kahn that it's great to support Lao culture, but that Kahn's home is still a shrine to American material luxury. A confused Kahn points out Ted's state-of-the-art home theater system, and four-car garage. Ted explains that he owns all of these "things," but they don't own him. Ted then shows Kahn his carving and says that it's the embodiment of the Lao spirit and that it is his link. As long as Ted carries the carving, everything else is meaningless. Kahn suggests keeping one of those carvings in his pocket, so that he can have a big screen TV. Kahn asks Ted for an extra one. Ted says that Kahn is not ready yet and that it wouldn't mean to Kahn what it means to Ted.
Quote[]
- Ted: "Sure, I own all of these "things," but they don't own me. I'll try to explain. This is Man of Louang Namtha, carved by a native highlander more than 300 years ago. It's the embodiment of the Lao spirit. This is my link. As long as I carry this, everything else is meaningless."
Trivia[]
- Man of Louang Namtha is a reference to Luang Namtha (Lao: ຫລວງນໍ້າທາ), the capital of Luang Namtha Province in northern Laos, which borders China and Myanmar (Burma).
- The conical hat is called a koup (Lao: ກຸບ) in Lao. Originating in Vietnam, the hats are commonly worn by farmers throughout Asia and used to shield the face from the sun and rain.
- The great majority of Laos's farmers are engaged in rice agriculture. Glutinous rice (or sticky rice) production makes up around 80% of all Lao rice production. It is the national dish of Laos and is the basis of every meal.
Gallery[]
