23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Colorful Threads on Inle Lake

Women arrange freshly dyed threads across bamboo poles above the waters of Inle Lake. The vivid colors, reflections, and careful movements reveal a traditional weaving process that has been part of Myanmar’s heritage for generations.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar
Camera: LEICA SL (Typ 601)
Copyright: © Pyae Phyo Thet Paing