Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, Consulting Curator, will give a lecture on “Tai Ceremonial Textiles and Their Uses” from 10 am to 12 noon on June 16, 2011, at the offices of Tilleke & Gibbins. Linda will provide an overview of some types of non-Buddhist or shamanic Tai textiles and their ceremonial functions. Intricately woven textiles are made specifically for use in different types of rituals, including spirit appeasement and healing rites as well as funerals. The Tai also utilize textiles that have roles in their daily lives for special rites.

Dr. Linda S. McIntosh describes some ceremonial textiles produced and used by the non-Buddhist or shamanic Tai ethnic groups, using examples from the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection to illustrate the article. Tilleke & Gibbins houses rare, museum-quality shamanic textiles with an indigo background, which are called phaa phii mon or phaa mau phii. Various design compositions, motifs, and functions of textiles are discussed in the article.

Tilleke & Gibbins Consulting Curator Dr. Linda McIntosh outlines the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection in this Bangkok publication. The Collection consists of textiles from the diverse cultures of mainland Southeast Asia plus some examples, originating beyond this geographic region, that have historical, economic, and political links to the area. The article describes the types of textiles found in the Collection, and these range from utilitarian items to ceremonial accessories.

In the Textile Society of America’s series on textile collections throughout the world, the history and purpose of the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection are highlighted. The Collection’s mission to exhibit textiles originating from the cultures composing mainland Southeast Asia is given: to enrich the working environment of Tilleke & Gibbins’ offices; to preserve Southeast Asia’s textile heritage; and to expand the appreciation of this art form to the general public.