DEVELOPMENT OF TAI LUE ETHNIC HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS ON PRODUCTS COMPONENT FOR TOURISM OF NAYANG, LUANGP RABANG, LAO PDR.

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the identity of Tai Lue textile handicraft products, to study the product development pattern of Tai Lue handicraft products, and the assessment of the product development pattern of Tai Lue handicraft product in Na Yang Sub-district, Nam Bak District, Luang Prabang Province. The qualitative method was applied. Data were collected through 44 key informants from representatives of weavers, government, entrepreneurs and experts. In-depth interviews and focus group techniques were used as research tools. Data were analyzed by content analysis and described by descriptive techniques. The finding showed that: 1) the identity of Tai Lue handicraft products is hand-woven cotton with continuous supplementary weft technique, dyed with natural colors. The patterns convey symbolic meanings on nature, motto, belief, and faith. 2) The product development pattern has six modified product from the original product by adding local ancient patterns and identities. 3) The assessment of product development found that 12 styles were selected to develop out of 21 of 6 products, with an emphasis on features and the product's benefits.