Sleeping blanket (Phaa hom lai), 20th century, 70 x 37 1/2 in. (177.8 x 95.25 cm), Cotton; supplementary weft patterning; needlework, Laos, 20th century, In the Lao-Tai culture bed linens form an important part of a woman's dowry. A prospective bride was expected to prepare as many as ten sets of mattresses, pillows and blankets, and one mosquito net prior to the wedding. Although the bride weaves most of these items herself, other family members may assist her if the dowry is unusually large.