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The silkworm village of Ban Lung Pradu Samakki is a vibrant community where villagers have come together to weave textiles as a collective, known as "Klum Mai Thai Lung Pradu." The villagers produce an array of items, including shawls, Mudmee-style clothing, checked pattern garments, and short silk clothes. The group is organized based on individual skill sets, as some members excel in creating Mudmee designs while others prefer weaving fabric. Those without personal looms can borrow from the group or work at the community center.
Although few villagers cultivate mulberries and maintain silkworm farms today, these activities were once widespread. The popularity of these occupations hinges on the market value of silkworm cocoons. When prices are favorable, villagers are more inclined to farm mulberry and raise silkworms. However, there was a period when silkworm prices dipped significantly due to the illegal importation of silkworms from China into thailand. During such times, rice, bamboo, taro, and eucalyptus farming offered better financial returns.
The majority of weavers are aged between 40 and 50 years. The village’s distinctive textile is the short silk cloth, or Hangkrarok in Thai. This cloth is an adaptation of traditional Hangkrarok, incorporating pattern weaving with varying spacing. For the past six to seven years, natural dyes have been predominantly used, although chemical dyes are still occasionally requested by customers for Mudmee designs. To ensure colorfastness, the dyed silk is boiled with eucalyptus leaves.
This silk weaving initiative receives robust support from various sectors. Given the high cost of factory-produced silk thread and the group’s limited budget, several entities provide financial assistance to purchase materials and cover operational expenses. The application process for funding changes annually and involves different sectors, including Ban Naree Swad, Nikom Srang Toneng, Phimai subdistrict, and Lung Pradu district office. The group allocates 30% of its income for management purposes.
In 2010, the group received assistance in product development from Huai Thalang district, which selected Lung Pradu Thai silk group for the KBO project. The seminar was funded by the Nakorn Ratchasima Province Community Development department, with Mrs. Chusri Khariengrum and Mrs. Nangpradit Thongpor imparting their knowledge. A network was established for knowledge-sharing within Nakorn Ratchasima province, supported by Nakorn Ratchasima Rajabhat University.
The process of weaving the Trailuk pattern on Hangkrarok silk cloth starts with arranging the main threads using naturally dyed silk in colors like orange, yellow, white, pink, and gray. The Pung thread used in weaving comes in two varieties. The first involves twisting pink silk with yellow, resulting in narrow, medium, and wide strands, utilizing six shuttles. The second combines pink with yellow and gray, forming medium and wide strands, requiring two shuttles. The shuttles are then woven individually, creating a Trailuk pattern on the Hangkrarok cloth.
Visitors interested in experiencing the community’s lifestyle or observing the villagers in their exquisite silk garments are encouraged to attend the Ngan Bun (merit-making festival), specifically Ngan Bun Dok Mai Dok Ngern, held at Lung Pradu temple every November. During this festival, villagers display and sell silk from their homes, donating the proceeds to the temple. Other significant merit-making events include the Songkran festival, Kathin festival, weddings, and ordination ceremonies.
Upon entering the village, visitors will notice a signboard labeled "The Silk Village Nakorn Chai Burin Ban Lung Pradu Nakorn Ratchasima." "Nakorn Chai Burin" represents a collaboration of four northeastern provinces: Nakorn Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Burirum, and Surin. The initiative aims to preserve and pass down the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of silk weaving. For further information, please contact Khun Busaba Prathesung at Tel. 08-9582-6025.
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The Silk Weaving Tradition of Ban Lung Pradu Samakki
Ban Lung Pradu Samakki is a silkworm village renowned for its rich tradition of silk weaving. The villagers have united to form a cooperative known as "Klum Mai Thai Lung Pradu," which specializes in producing various silk products. This article delves into the community’s weaving practices, the challenges they face, and their efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
1. The Origins and Organization of Klum Mai Thai Lung Pradu
Klum Mai Thai Lung Pradu is a collective of skilled artisans who have come together to continue the age-old tradition of silk weaving. This group is structured based on individual expertise, allowing each member to contribute according to their strengths. Some members excel in creating intricate Mudmee designs, while others focus on weaving fabrics with different patterns.
The cooperative provides looms for those who do not own one, ensuring that all members can participate in the craft. The group’s products include shawls, Mudmee-style clothing, checked pattern garments, and short silk clothes. This diversity in products reflects the varied skills and creative flair of the group members.
2. The Changing Landscape of Silkworm Farming
Silkworm farming has experienced significant shifts in popularity over the years. In the past, many villagers engaged in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing. However, the viability of these occupations depends largely on the market value of silkworm cocoons. When prices are favorable, more villagers are inclined to invest in these activities.
The silkworm industry faced a downturn when illegal imports from China caused a drop in local prices. During this period, alternative farming practices, such as rice, bamboo, taro, and eucalyptus cultivation, became more profitable. These changes underscore the challenges faced by traditional silk producers in adapting to market fluctuations.
3. The Demographics and Unique Products of Ban Lung Pradu
The majority of weavers in Ban Lung Pradu are between 40 and 50 years old. This age group represents a wealth of experience and expertise in silk weaving. One of the village’s most distinctive products is the short silk cloth, known locally as Hangkrarok. This cloth is an innovative adaptation of traditional Hangkrarok, featuring pattern weaving with varying spacing.
Natural dyes have been predominantly used in the village for the past six to seven years, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical dyes. However, chemical dyes are still occasionally used for Mudmee designs, depending on customer preferences. To ensure the durability of the colors, the dyed silk is boiled with eucalyptus leaves, a traditional method that enhances colorfastness.
4. Support and Development Initiatives
The silk weaving community of Ban Lung Pradu receives substantial support from various sectors. Due to the high cost of factory-produced silk thread and limited funds, the group relies on financial assistance to purchase materials and cover operational expenses. The funding application process involves different sectors each year, including Ban Naree Swad, Nikom Srang Toneng, Phimai subdistrict, and Lung Pradu district office. The group allocates 30% of its income for management purposes.
In 2010, the group benefited from a product development initiative led by Huai Thalang district. Lung Pradu Thai silk group was selected to participate in the KBO project, funded by the Nakorn Ratchasima Province Community Development department. Mrs. Chusri Khariengrum and Mrs. Nangpradit Thongpor were instrumental in sharing their expertise during the seminar. A knowledge network was established within Nakorn Ratchasima province, supported by Nakorn Ratchasima Rajabhat University.
5. The Art of Weaving Trailuk Patterns
The process of weaving Trailuk patterns on Hangkrarok silk cloth is a meticulous and intricate craft. It begins with arranging the main threads using naturally dyed silk in vibrant colors such as orange, yellow, white, pink, and gray. The Pung thread used in weaving comes in two types. The first involves twisting pink silk with yellow, resulting in narrow, medium, and wide strands, utilizing six shuttles. The second combines pink with yellow and gray, forming medium and wide strands, requiring two shuttles.
The shuttles are woven individually, creating the exquisite Trailuk pattern on the Hangkrarok cloth. This detailed process showcases the skill and artistry of the weavers, who continue to uphold the traditional techniques passed down through generations.
6. Experiencing the Cultural Festivals of Ban Lung Pradu
Visitors interested in immersing themselves in the community’s rich culture and traditions are encouraged to attend the Ngan Bun (merit-making festival), particularly Ngan Bun Dok Mai Dok Ngern. This festival is held at Lung Pradu temple every November, providing an opportunity to witness the villagers in their beautiful silk garments. During the festival, villagers display and sell silk from their homes, donating the proceeds to the temple.
Other significant merit-making events include the Songkran festival, Kathin festival, weddings, and ordination ceremonies. These cultural festivals offer a glimpse into the vibrant traditions and communal spirit of Ban Lung Pradu, where silk weaving is not just an occupation but a way of life.
7. Nakorn Chai Burin Initiative and Cultural Heritage Preservation
Upon entering Ban Lung Pradu, visitors will notice a signboard labeled "The Silk Village Nakorn Chai Burin Ban Lung Pradu Nakorn Ratchasima." "Nakorn Chai Burin" represents a collaborative effort among four northeastern provinces: Nakorn Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Burirum, and Surin. The initiative aims to conserve and pass down the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of silk weaving.
This collaborative effort underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges. By fostering cooperation among the provinces, the Nakorn Chai Burin initiative seeks to sustain the traditional crafts and skills that define the region’s identity.
For further information about Ban Lung Pradu’s silk weaving community and cultural initiatives, please contact Khun Busaba Prathesung at Tel. 08-9582-6025.
In conclusion, Ban Lung Pradu Samakki stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of silk weaving and the resilience of a community committed to preserving its cultural heritage. Through collective efforts, support from various sectors, and participation in cultural festivals, the village continues to thrive as a hub of traditional craftsmanship and cultural richness.
Address And Location:
Lung Pradu Huai Thalaeng Nakhon Ratchasima 30240