You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

December 23, 2011

Textile Collection: Visit to Tai Yuan Weavers in Ratchaburi

Subscribe to Updates

Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, consulting curator of the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection, will lead a study trip to Ratchaburi Province on January 15, 2012. The excursion will provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about Tai Yuan textiles of Central Thailand by visiting a museum and weaving centers.

Located 100 kilometers west of Bangkok, Ratchaburi Province is home to several ethnic groups that continue to produce hand-woven textiles. The Tai Yuan is one of the groups preserving cultural heritage by weaving traditional forms originating from northern Thailand while creating distinctive styles to symbolize their geographic locale. The ancestors of the Tai Yuan residing in central Thailand were from the former polity of Chiang Saen in present-day Chiang Rai Province. In the first decade of the 19th century, the citizens of Chiang Saen and surrounding areas were resettled in other parts of the kingdom, including Ratchaburi. This region was under the control of the Burmese kingdom for two centuries prior. In the late 18th century, Taksin and his general, who later became Rama I, rid the region from Burmese suzerainty. To prevent the return of Burmese control, the region was depleted of its citizens, and Chiang Saen was razed.

One of the main ethnic groups populating Chiang Saen (Muang Ngoen Yang) was the Tai Yuan. (The city was the first recognized polity of the Tai Yuan.) Many soldiers cooperated with the armies of Siam, and their families were brought to central Thailand to settle in areas near Bangkok. Tai Yuan women continued to weave traditional textiles in their new homes, and, over time, weavers began to create distinctive styles representing their village locale. Today, several styles exist in Ratchburi and include Khu Bua and Daun Rae styles. On this one-day excursion, the group will visit weaving centers in Khu Bua and Daun Rae and a private museum devoted to the textile heritage of Ratchaburi.  

The fee of THB 2000 covers, transportation, lunch, tips, and contributions to the museum, weaving centers, and weavers. The leader, Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, and the tour agency, CDM, reserve the right to change the schedule or postpone the outing as required. For more information or join the tour, please email: [email protected].

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

May 16, 2011
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.
Read More
April 26, 2011
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.
Read More
April 26, 2011
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.
Read More
April 26, 2011
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.
Read More