Teeth lacquering - unique custom of Lao ethnic women

In the viewpoint of Lao ethnic people in Tam Duong district, northern province of Lai Chau, the custom of painting teeth black not only helps enhance a woman's beauty, charm, and sophistication, but also holds the meaning of luck.

For Lao ethnic women, teeth lacquering is not only a way of makeup, but is also a source of good fortune. (Photo: VNP)

A Lao ethnic woman re-blackens her teeth. (Photo: VNP)

A tree, called "may tuu" by locals, is burned to create a substance to dye teeth. (Photo: VNP)

Locals rub the black substance in a cast iron plate. (Photo: VNP)

The custom of teeth lacquering is still kept among Lao and Lu ethnic women in Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province. (Photo: VNP)