Development of Mudmee silk patterns from community stories and natural dyeing: A case study of a community enterprise for growing mulberries and raising sericulture, Ban Bua Kaew, Kut Rang District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand

Abstract

Academic article on Development of Mudmee silk patterns from community stories and natural dyeing: A case study of a community enterprise for growing mulberries and raising sericulture, Ban Bua Kaew, Kut Rang District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. It has two objectives: to design and develop Mudmee silk patterns from community stories that reflect the identity of the Ban Buakaew Sericulture Community Enterprise Group; and promotes learning about natural dyeing and developing prototype products according to the standards of the Sericulture Department. Data collection methods include surveys, interviews, group discussions with local leaders, community leaders, key informants and community enterprise group members and bring all the information into developmental activities which divided into 3 phases: upstream, midstream, and downstream activities. The results of the study found that the community has outstanding social and cultural capital. Community enterprise members can take the aforementioned social and cultural knowledge to design and develop two patterns of Mudmee silk, namely (1) the Naga Chern Bua Kaew pattern and (2) the Bua Kaew pattern, and dye the silk with available natural materials in their own locality, such as the red soap tree, Cassia tree, lacquer, coconut shells, etc. In addition, some of the silk has been taken to increase quality by making plasma. After that, the silk was woven into prototype products, which are (1) a Naga Chern Buakaew pattern and (2) a Naga Chern Buakaew pattern birthday shawl and a Buakaew pattern sarong, and (3) a backpack product. The product has been certified to the Blue Peacock Brand standard from the Sericulture Promotion Center and can sell and create more income for members.