Pha Sin’: A Case Study of Chanasomboon City in Champasak, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the history of cloth weaving, 2) cloth weaving process, beliefs and textile designs (symbolic message) 3) problems, obstacles, and developmental means including role of governmental sectors in promoting cloth weaving, and 4) the existence of ‘Pha Sin’ wearing and a role of governmental sectors in promote Laotian women to wear ‘Pha Sin’. The research scope covered the areas of Sapai village and DonKo village Qualitative tools including interview and focus-group discussions were employed in the data collection. Content analysis was used in the data analysis.  This research aimed to study 1) the history of cloth weaving, 2) cloth weaving process, beliefs and textile designs (symbolic message) 3) problems, obstacles, and developmental means including role of governmental sectors in promoting cloth weaving, and 4) the existence of ‘Pha Sin’ wearing and a role of governmental sectors in promote Laotian women to wear ‘Pha Sin’. The research scope covered the areas of Sapai village and DonKo village Qualitative tools including interview and focus-group discussions were employed in the data collection. Content analysis was used in the data analysis. The research findings were as follows:1. The cloth weaving of both villages dated back to at least 400 years and Have been handed down to younger generations and practicing until today. 2. The weaving processes in the past of both villages depended on natural yarns i.e., silk and cotton. Natural colors were the main source for yarns dying threads. The weaving processes were passed on from mothers to daughters. The products were used in the family and for exchanging things from other people. The present weaving processes, however, have changed to use industrial yarns that is Chinese silk yarns since they were not complicated in preparing processes, cheap, smooth, and easily purchasable although these yarns were chemical dyed. Similar to the past, the weaving processes were still passed on from mothers to daughters. Their weaving techniques are ‘Mudmee’ (ikat/resisted yarn) ‘Chok’ (Discontinuous supplementary weft), ‘Khid’ (Continuous supplementary weft). For the Sapai village weaves, do ikat technique for body part of tobular skirt (‘Pha Sin Mi’). While the DonKo village weavers do ‘Chok’ and ‘Khid’ for the hem part (‘Tin Sin’).The belief and symbolic message of patterns, the present weavers are not understand. They do not weave the old traditional textile design, but make it in a simple design to meet the needs of the customers.1. The problems and obstacles mostly involved capital, techniques, markets, and the quality of the woven fabric made from Chinese manufactures selling in a cheaper price affected the weavers’ market. The promotion in capital, markets, and trainings for developing the quality of the fabric from the governmental sectors is insufficient. 2. The existence of ‘Pha Sin’ wearing culture has been practiced by all Laotian women. It has been implanted in the realization of Laotian women and their pride in exposing the uniqueness of their nation. The government sector took an important role in promoting this practice nationwide as seen in the uniform of the officials, students, and women at large.