Science and Art Thai Craftsmanship |109
Hand-woven
Fabric
The Magnificence
of Thai Crafts
The resonance of the wooden loom in harmony with the intertwinement
of the multicolored yarns woven into a variety of patterns on the fabric is
a reflection of the ways of life and wisdom inherited through the creation
of hand-woven fabrics for a long period of time.
Fabric is one of the necessities for living. Weaving is considered
a way to bring the essence of local authenticity to integrate with thoughts
and beliefs through patterns and symbols together with the color of
nature. It leads to the identity of each community almost impossible to
imitate.
Household weaving of Thai society is the culture connecting
families to the society. In the time when agriculture is still a foundation
of living, women were responsible for weaving fabrics to be used in daily
life, while men made weaving tools after farming works. Knowledge and
wisdom of weaving has been transmitting in the family from generation
to generation, from mothers to daughters. Therefore, weaving helps
women develop the qualities of details oriented, patience and artistic
creativity, in addition to the benefit of the knowledge transfer and fabric
self-production.
“Weavers will design their own
patterns by collecting natural
materials such as flower, stars,
animal or household utilities.
They also call the name of the
patterns based on the description
of the source of inspiration, such
as Dok Kaew (flower of orange
jasmine), Bang (Colug), Krabia
(Butterfly), Kho Kham Duean,
Khit, Sam Ruat (rocket), Hong
(swan), and further develop
more complicated and beautiful
patterns.”