The Enhancement of Community Weaving Wisdom into Commercial Trade: Ban Luang Nua, Luang Nua Sub-district, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aims to study the wisdom of Thai Lue weaving, the need for product development and the ways to enhance Thai Lue woven fabrics to be applied as products.

The sampling group in this research was the representatives of Ban Bai Boon: Tai Lue Wisdom Learning Center, Luang Nua sub-district, Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai. The method used by purposive random sampling with 13 people. The tool used in this research was in-depth interviewing form using descriptive and narrative writing to analyze data related to the study.  The results of the research revealed the origin of the Tai Lue weaving wisdom of Ban Luang Nua that Tai Lue people live in a simple way of life. There is a harmonious demeanor when mixed with the native Lanna people but there still something that has never faded, which is the Tai Lue spoken language and Tai Lue cotton hand-woven dressing. Tai Lue women learning weaving from their mothers using the resources available in the community. Nowadays, people in the community require to focus on further product development and Tai Lue fabrics design into various products. The group wants to develop their product to be more modern, gains consumers’ satisfaction by extending its range into other products such as Thai satchels, hats, masks and bags. The way to enhance Tai Lue woven fabrics is to retain the uniqueness of Ban Luang Nua pattern with more emphasizing of the quality of woven fabrics which may include a ‘Luang Len Fa’ pattern or ‘Luan’ Len Mek’ pattern and stills preserves the identity of the Tai Lue people of Ban Luang Nua sarong, known as the ‘Ta Mha Khwai Luang’ pattern, which is the legendary animal of Ban Luang Nua and the creation of new patterns in the future.