Developing and Upgrading the Local Wisdom of Thousand-Year Baray Mud-Dyed Fabrics to Enhance the Commercial Competitiveness of Community Enterprises in Buriram Province

Abstract

          This research aims to:  1) investigate the current state and production process of thousand-year baray mud-dyed fabric, 2) develop new products based on this traditional knowledge, and 3) expand and preserve the associated wisdom. The study employs surveys, interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and experiments to examine the thousand-year baray mud-dyed fabric weaving group of Ban Khok Mueang community, Chaloke Mak sub-district, Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province.

          Research findings showed that:  1) Thousand-year baray mud-dyed fabric is a traditional technique that evolved from the community women's natural dyeing practices. Subsequently, the mud from the pond near the Mueang Tam castle was used to dye the fabric, resulting in a unique texture, visually appealing appearance, and a significantly softer fabric. 2) The weaving group has developed the weaving process into a distinctive community identity, namely "thousand-year baray fabric in lotus petal color," inspired by the eight lotus petals in the pond of Mueang Tam castle. Beyond this, the group aims to further develop and expand mud-dyed fabric with more community-specific colors by experimenting with natural green dye to represent the lotus leaves found in the same pond as the eight lotus petals. And 3) the group's current products made from mud-dyed fabric include plain-colored fabrics, shawls, and scarves. The group proposed the creation of additional products made from thousand-year baray mud-dyed fabric to increase diversity and add value. Consequently, prototype products such as bags and neck pillows were developed. The group also recognized the importance of disseminating this knowledge through technology, leading to the creation of a thousand-year baray mud-dyed fabric weaving manual. This manual serves as a systematic tool for knowledge transfer, from knowledge management and dissemination to others, making the knowledge tangible, clear, and easily accessible.