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August 23, 2012

Tai Yuan Textiles of Thailand

Textiles Asia

This is an introduction to textiles produced by the Tai Yuan ethnic group of Thailand. This group is the most populous one inhabiting northern Thailand and composes a minority in the central provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, and Ratchaburi. In northern Thailand, members of the Tai Yuan group primarily reside in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, and Sukhothai. Tai Yuan weavers living in the various areas have developed distinctive weavings, serving as identity markers. They use different characteristics of the textiles to distinguish themselves from others, including Tai Yuan from other regions. The subject of Tai Yuan textiles is complex, and a talk could be devoted to Tai Yuan textiles from one area, for example. Before discussing textile types, a brief background of the Tai Yuan group is required.

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