THE PROCESS OF CREATING VALUE AND PRESERVING THE BAMBOO WEAVING CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE VILLAGERS IN MUANG FANG, BURIRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the bamboo weaving knowledge of villagers in Ban Muang Fang community, Buriram Province; 2) to examine the value creation and conservation of bamboo weaving knowledge among these villagers; and 3) to propose strategies for enhancing the value and preserving the bamboo weaving craftsmanship in the community.
This qualitative research collected data through document analysis and interviews with purposively selected key informants, including local experts and scholars knowledgeable about bamboo weaving, totaling 30 participants. The data were analyzed through categorization according to the research objectives and verified for accuracy using triangulation and confirmation with key informants.
The findings revealed that 1) Ban Muang Fang community has long-standing bamboo weaving knowledge, supported by abundant natural bamboo resources, which encouraged villagers to engage collectively in weaving activities; 2) value creation and preservation of bamboo weaving knowledge were facilitated by utilizing social capital to teach and develop weaving techniques among the villagers; and 3) strategies for enhancing the value and preserving bamboo weaving craftsmanship include developing weaving techniques, adapting product designs to contemporary trends, and expanding distribution channels to increase product recognition.