Science and Art Thai Craftsmanship |115
The wisdom transferred through the basketry shows the expertise of the
craftsmen. Most of them are farmers who spend their free time inventing objects,
developing object forms for the maximum use of them. For the woven patterns, even
though the intervals and weaving characteristics are considered to mainly support
the usability. But the creation later becomes a unique identity that the basketwork
also reflects local geography, living conditions, traditions, beliefs, and religions of
the craftsmen. Basketry, therefore, is a valuable art and craft and regarded as a
good historical evidence of local communities. • “Khong” (creel) is shaped like a water jar. Some Isan people weave Khong
in a cylindrical shape to keep fish, crab, shrimp, frogs when fishing.
“The types of bamboo widely
used for basketwork in all
regions of Thailand are:
Phai Si Suk (spiny bamboo),
which has long large stalks;
Phai Sang (male Bamboo);
Phai Bong or Phai Tong
(rough giant bamboo)
mostly found in the North;
Phai Hok; Phai Hia; Phai
Ruak; Phai Liang; Phai Ruak
Dam; and Phai Pao.”