AN APPLICATION OF COTTON PATTERNS OF PHU THAI ETHNIC GROUPS INNORTHEAST THAILAND TO DEVELOP COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

Abstract

An application of cotton patterns of Phu Thai ethnic groups in Northeast Thailand to develop commercial products is adapted from the traditional ikatweaving of each Phu Thai ethnic group. Production of cotton patterns applies modern techniques to meet customers’ needs to create commercial values. This qualitative researchaimed to study history of the cotton patterns of Phu Thai groups in Northeast Thailand; current situation and problems of the cotton patterns; and ways to apply the cotton patterns commercially. Research tools included questionnaire, observation form, interview, and workshop. Some data were obtained from 120 people’s The samples were specifically selected from 4 villages: 1) Ban Khok Kong, 2) Ban KudWa, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin, 3) Ban Bawaa, Akartamnuay District, SakonNakorn, and 4) Ban Phu, Nongsung District, Mukdaharn. Knowledgeable groups, weaver groups, and general public groups. And then descriptively by Analyzed.

  The research finding wears as follows:

  It was found that the cotton patterns of Phu Thai people in Northeast Thailand were mainly influenced by rural people’s nature and environment. The patterns were inherited to the descendants through their memory, which was considered their personal talents, or directly created from their wisdom. The traditional cotton patterns, including maakjap pattern, kho pattern, naakyai pattern, and ngu pattern, were plain. Patterns were simply created by using strings made of shredded banana stems to tie around the cotton intended to be weft ikat. The tied cotton was then dyed in indigo color, dried, and untied. The tied areas would be naturally cotton white, thus creating patterns. The fabric has been so woven from generation to generation.

  An application of cotton patterns of Phu Thai ethnic groups in Northeast Thailand Villagers from Ban Khok Kong, Ban KudWa, Ban Bawaa, and Ban Phu still weave textile in both traditional and applied patterns, using traditional materials, tools, and processes. Natural indigo is still popularly used. The weavers uphold their identity by wearing traditional Phu Thai costume, including ikat dress, turban, cloth wristband, and shawl. Their fabric stuns both Thai and foreign tourists shopping the local products for souvenirs so much that the local people make a lot of money each year. Some problems are found. The traditional and applied pattern cottons could not be sufficiently supplied due to limited cotton and indigo and slow and complicated production process. Moreover, old generation weavers have stopped their weaving career to do something else.

New generation descendants are very limitedly inherited. Besides, new weavers are not well trained in pattern designing, packaging, selling, and marketing. There is not enough support from the government sector; therefore, each group of the weavers depends on its own. This can be seen from the fact that similar cotton patterns are produced by most groups, resulting in same old prices but with higher investment.