MUDCLOTH: FROM LOCAL WISDOM TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

Abstract

Objective of this research article was to find out the local wisdom of Nong Soong community that produced the mud-cloth fabric by means of in-depth interview and mud-cloth making process observation. The study was carried out with eight members of Ban Phu Thai Silk Community Enterprise and Ban Phu Thai Cotton Community Enterprise. Analyzed the data and presented the results by descriptive analysis.

The research findings were as follows: Nong Soong mud-cloth fabric was the product created by combining the local wisdom which passed through generations with the new knowledge. The local wisdom was the original body of knowledge derived from experience, experiments, and wisdom from beliefs. The producers used local resources as the components in making the mud-cloth fabric as it has been passed down resulting in an identity of Nong Soong mud-cloth fabric and being the product granted with the GI sign due to the use of local resources from the beginning until the end of the making process. As for the new body of knowledge, it was found that the producers obtained the knowledge from trainings and adjusted it in the making process in accordance with the changing social context. Technologies were used to manage and increase sales online. Therefore, it can access to more consumers resulting in creating an additional occupation in the community and being self-reliable in which it created the sustainable economy for the community.