Tai Dam: The Culture of Textile Usage from Identity and Wisdom to Contemporary Design in a New Context ไทดำ: วัฒนธรรมการใช้ผ้าจากอัตลักษณ์ภูมิปัญญาสู่ความร่วมสมัยในบริบทใหม่

Abstract

The research titled “Tai Dam: The Culture of Textile Usage from Identity and Wisdom to Contemporary Design in a New Context” is a qualitative research with objectives to: 1) study the identity of traditional attire, textile patterns, and cultural textile usage derived from Tai Dam ethnic wisdom in Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi provinces; 2) design and present a new image through product development from traditional wisdom and innovation into contemporary products; and 3) disseminate cultural heritage knowledge of Tai Dam ethnic textiles. This study examines both tangible and intangible aspects. The research findings reveal that: 1) The Tai Dam ethnic group has continuously transmitted knowledge of textile culture with distinctive identity. Tangible aspects include black-based "watermelon pattern" sarongs with alternating horizontal blue or white stripes, and intricate embroidery and tailoring techniques. Intangible aspects show that patterns and colors in textiles carry implicit meanings, reflecting lifestyle, ancestral spirit beliefs, and the life cycle from birth to death, with textile usage in ceremonies reflecting the relationship between human and spiritual worlds. 2) New product images combine traditional identity with contemporary design concepts by adapting the size, proportion, and pattern formats to suit new contexts, transforming clothing into home decorative items and everyday products such as floor rugs, cushions, seating pads, and various bag styles, while integrating production techniques compatible with traditional weaving and tailoring methods. 3) Creative works from Tai Dam ethnic textiles have been exhibited in a new image as products and decorative items, disseminating heritage knowledge through exhibitions that inspire creativity and change perspectives on textile usage toward contemporary design.