The weaving of Phu Tai ethnic groups in Ban Phon Mouang, Sepon, Savannakhet, Lao PDR

Kanamporn Pasri

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the weaving of Phu Tai ethnic groups in Ban PhonMouang, Sepon, Savannakhet, Lao PDR through the study of documents and field data through observations, structured and semi-structured interviews. Participants of this research were village leaders, weavers, villagers, academics and government officers. The collected data will be analyzed using semiology theory and aesthetics theory. The presentation of the data will be through descriptive analysis. The frame of the study consists of technical aspect and the patterns, the materials used in the weaving process, the colors and the threads. The result of the study shows that the Phu Tai ethnic groups in Ban Phon Mouang, Sepon, Savannakhet, Lao PDR possesses 4 weaving technics: basic weaving technic, Ikat weaving technic, Continuous Supplementary Weft weaving technic, and Chok weaving technic. The patterns chosen are normally traditional patterns. The weaving tools are normally traditional weaving tools. As for the colors and threads, the weaver used both artificial and natural dye while the threads were mostly home-produced cotton and silk. Although some weavers bought polyester threads from factories.