Moon Mang Phutai: Textile Wisdom of Phutai Ethnicity in The Sakon Nakhon Basin Area to Cultural Tourism

Abstract

Moon Mang, the textile wisdom of the Phutai ethnic group in Thailand’s Sakon Nakhon region, is the subject of this article, which intends to contribute to the promotion of cultural tourism. There is a research question about the Phutai ethnic group’s weaving procedure. Furthermore, what kind of knowledge is passed down and disseminated? How can we also promote cultural tourism? The study used qualitative methodologies and included a protocol for gathering Participatory Observation; questionnaires, interviews, and group discussions were used as tools. The analytical description is used to analyze data. The study’s findings can be summarized as follows: The Phutai ethnic group’s Moon Mang textile wisdom captures three key weaving processes: (1) Kit weaving, (2) Madmee weaving, and (3) Jok weaving. The Phutai ethnic group’s weaving skills are primarily inherited from the mother’s family. Weaving is the work of women who have been part of the Phutai way of life from birth to death, as it is believed that completely equipped Phutai girls must weave at least three things, including black shirts, satin, and silk sarongs. However, the weaving technique for selling purpose has altered in recent years; also, the transmission of information and distribution of Phutai knowledge is carried out through various exhibits such as Phutai International, Phutai World, and Phra That Phanom, and so on. It is a social space that promotes cultural tourism and raises awareness of the Phutai ethnic minority.