Knowledge and Product Development from Thai Song Dum’s Native Textiles in Bandon Subdistrict, U Thong District, Suphanburi Province

Abstract

Knowledge on product development from Thai Song Dum’s native textiles of Ban Don subdistrict, U Thong district, Suphanburi Province is a participatory action research to study the knowledge and local wisdom of Thai Song Dum people on how they apply the native textiles of Thai Song Dum to produce daily-used appliances and to design and develop products from native textiles of Thai Song Dum, especially watermelon-patterned fabric and patched fabric. Tjhere are 4 participants in the project; Weaving Community Enterprise of Ban Yang Lao, Ancient Black Tai Cultural Restoration Center, Wat Klang Ban Don School, and Wat Yang Sawang Arom School. The research results revealed that watermelon-patterned fabric and patched fabric conceal some meanings which can be linked to the history and lifestyle of Thai Song Dum people by using dark indigo-blue thread, to weave watermelon-patterned fabric for decorating the weaved fabric with the patterns conveying to the relationship with nature. Therefore, these two kinds of fabric clearly show the identity of the ethnic group. The researcher developed the products from Thai Song Dum’s fabrics as; key ring, bag, glasses box, and notebook. The survey results on product satisfaction showed that the design, price, and utility were all in high level.