Sim (main hall) and Sala Dhammaviharn (Dhamma hall) of Vat Souvannakhili (Vat Khili). Photograph taken in 1960s. Sala Dhammaviharn (behind) where the Buddhist Archive of Photography is placed was built in 1963 by Sathou Nyai Khamfanh Silasangvara Mahathera, Abbot of Vat Khili. Sim or the main hall (in front) was built in C.S. 1135 (C.E. 1773) by the people of neighboring principality of Xieng Khuang, the Phouan had developed an alliance with the people of Luang Prabang. The Prince of the Phouan, Chao Kham Sattha married Princess Venekeo Sam Phiou, a daughter of King Inthasome of Luang Prabang. During that period Luang Prabang and northern Laos were subject to periodic invasion by the Burmese, and the armies of the two principalities joined forces to battle the invaders. The original temple of Vat Khili was built by the Phouan to commemorate the fallen in one of those battle, and to honor the alliance with the Kingdom of Luang Prabang. Sathou Nyai Khamfanh Silasangvara Mahathera (1909-1987), Abbot of the monastery had paid speical take care of the monastery." Souvan " means " Gold ", " Khiri " means " Mountain ", and Ban Hor Chao Fa Dok Say Deua called Ban Khili after the name of the monastery.
Original material consists of: silver gelatine DOP print.
