The Development of local silk for enhancing the community economy in Chumphon Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study the background, current conditions, problems and needs for the development of Ban Pa Kluay silk in order to develop and create folk silk products and to enhance the community economy in Chumphon Province. The sample in this study consisted of head of government agency, community leaders, academicians, folk philosophers and villagers. The tools used in data collection were survey, observation, interview form and focus group forms. The data was analyzed using cultural theories and the results were presented using descriptive analysis. The results showed that Ban Pa Kluay is located at Village No. 12, Na Sak Subdistrict, Sawi District, Chumphon Province where some Isan people moved from Nakhon Ratchasima province to settle as a silk weaving community. Ban Pa Kluay Mulberry Silk Community Enterprise Group was established in 2006. At present, silk weaving in this community is still in operation. However, the problems encountered in the silk weaving of this community are the lack of market for products and lack of technical knowledge in pattern design. The community therefore needs to develop their silk weaving and enhance the community economy in Chumphon Province, for example, finding funding sources and selling products. For the development of silk fabric, mulberry and silkworm have been cultivated in this community to produce silk threads used in weaving based on from the wisdom passed down from the Isan culture. Their silk weaving was then improved as a result of the knowledge provided by the government agencies. Silk fabric with coffee flower, coffee bean, anchor, canna flower, lady finger banana, Chumphon anabas fish scale patterns. This has made the community earn more money. In terms of creation of silk products, a new fabric pattern has been designed, called Jaturong Chumphon swallowtail pattern. This pattern consists of 4 sub-patterns on the same piece of silk fabric consisting of swallowtail, bird’s nest, hook motif and flower patterns. Silk fabric with Jaturong Chumphon swallowtail pattern is woven in 4 colors which are brown, golden yellow, light yellow and cream. Silk fabric of this community has been used to produce sarong, cloth and shawl using a technique called Ikat Rai or Madmee Rai which gives the fabric a beautiful and delicate appearance.