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Laos - Forest Coolies (Labourers) in the Upper Mekong region
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Laos - Forest Coolies (Labourers) in the Upper Mekong region
Laos - Forest Coolies (Labourers - derogatory term) in the Upper Mekong region of the Khas Kouenes tribe. Date: circa 1908
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Media ID 18952476
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015
Coolies Forest Jan19 Labourers Laos Mekong Porters Region Rest Resting Southeast Tribal Khas Unskilled Upper
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of respite for a group of Forest Coolies, or unskilled laborers, of the Khas Kouenes tribe in the Upper Mekong region of Laos, circa 1908. The image offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of life for these porters, who were often recruited for their physical strength and endurance to carry heavy loads through the dense forests of Southeast Asia. The Khas Kouenes people, an ethnic minority group, were traditionally skilled hunters and gatherers, but were forced into labor due to the increasing demand for raw materials and resources during the colonial era. The term "coolie" was a derogatory term used to refer to unskilled laborers, particularly those from Asia, who were often subjected to exploitative working conditions and low wages. In this photograph, the coolies are seen taking a break from their arduous work, resting in the shade of the forest canopy. Their clothing, consisting of little more than loincloths or ragged shirts, reveals the physical toll of their labor. The heavy loads they carried are visible in the background, piled high on their bamboo baskets or balanced precariously on their shoulders. Despite the challenging conditions, the coolies' expressions suggest a sense of camaraderie and resilience. Their presence in the photograph serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the people of Laos and the Upper Mekong region, who continue to face numerous challenges in the face of economic development and modernization.
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