Knowledge Management of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Tube Skirts to Develop Community Cultural Tourism in Saraburi

Abstract

Tai Yuan Sao Hai woven fabric is classical, unique, and exquisite. Yet, hand weaving is now in a critical stage as most of the weavers are elderly people. The hand weaving knowledge is seemingly disappearing, and that became the objectives for this research; to study the collection of knowledge of intangible cultural heritage as well as knowledge management of intangible cultural heritage and to examine the development of community cultural tourism. This research was qualitative research, employing purposive random sampling. Data were collected by focus group and in-depth interviews. The results were that the Tai Yuan Sao Hai community gathered knowledge by having local Tai Yuan Sao Hai scholars established the Tai Yuan Sao Hai Folk Culture Hall where knowledge on traditions, ways of life, and weaving methods were collected. In addition, the weavers gathered knowledge by writing down in details the weaving process in their own language so that they can review the knowledge later. In managing and storing weaving knowledge of the various patterns, it was found that such knowledge was sufficiently disseminated, through training arranged for weavers in the community. It was observed that there was the application of knowledge in redesigning and re-weaving of the 250-year-old cloth pattern that it was selected as Saraburi's provincial signature cloth pattern. The process was developed into community tourism, presenting Tai Yuan Sao Hai culture as a highlight of tourism about traditions, ways of life, culture, food, and costume. Tourists wishing to visit the area are required to decide in advance, which makes it different from general tourism. The initiative entitled "Knowledge Management of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Tube Skirts to Develop Community Cultural Tourism in Saraburi" emanates from a profound love, nostalgia, and pride in the cultural heritage of the Tai Yuan Sao Hai Community. This endeavor focuses on knowledge management pertaining to customs, ways of life, and the art of weaving tube skirts produced in Sao Hai district. It involves the systematic collection of diverse knowledge from community experts, encompassing distinctive fabric patterns. Subsequently, this knowledge is transmitted from one generation to another, thus preserving the contemporary Tai Yuan Sao Hai culture. This cultural capital can be harnessed to cultivate cultural tourism experiences that intrigue travelers, enabling them to visit, learn, and gain novel insights into daily life. Moreover, it fosters cross-cultural learning and contributes to the creation of livelihoods and income opportunities within the community in a sustainable manner.