Mudmee Weaving: Preserving the Artistic Tapestry of Life in Songkwae Town

Abstract

Mudmee weaving is a traditional art of weaving indigenous fabric. It involves weaving fabric from threads that have undergone a process of tie-dyeing before being woven to create patterns and colors according to preference. This article focuses on presenting the unique beauty of Mudmee silk fabric from Ban Muang Hom, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province, also known as "Songkwae" town. This fabric is a cultural heritage product reflecting the local wisdom and pride in the hometown, which is manifested through distinctive patterns of the Lanna region, especially the peacock feather pattern, chicken comb pattern, Songkwae pattern, flowing water pattern, or Nan river pattern. These patterns are like the streams of the heart that never cease to flow, continuously accompanying the flow of time, becoming intertwined lives. The concept of the "cultural stream" is reflected in interviews with experts, weavers, local fabric weaving wisdom, and local fabric collectors, explaining the deep meaning and significance hidden in the fabric patterns, and the factors that contribute to the beautiful way of life, akin to delicately threading a needle onto fabric to embroider and weave. The intrinsic identity of spiritual value emerges in a tangible form, or in other words, it is the creation of methods that can sway or awaken people's consciousness to the value of beauty in every moment of reminiscing about their native homeland.

Keywords: Mudmee Weaving, Preserving the Artistic Tapestry of Life, SongKwae town