Khua Riang community members came up with their new brand – “Saksit [Sacred] Brand” – during a full-day training led by Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Agriculture on Friday 11 June, 2021. The training, organized under the university’s Project for Sustainable Development (U2T), was on “Silk Handicrafts and Identity” and aimed to enhance and strengthen the sense of identity in the subdistrict in relation to their silk and cotton handicrafts.
The event was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darunee Jothityangkoon, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and Mr. Witsarut Pupeng, Khon Kaen Provincial Council member. Asst. Prof. Mallika Srisutham and Dr. Porntip Phontusang, along with their working group, are responsible for U2T project activities in Khua Riang Subdistrict, and public relations and coordination for the training were successful thanks to collaboration from community leaders, the subdistrict’s Administrative Organization, the subdistrict head, and village leaders.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darunee Jothityangkoon, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture
Two lecturers led the training: 1) Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanasda Chullasthira, expert in textile design from the Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University, and 2) Khun Tawee Sukho, expert in Mudmee Silk from the Khum Sukho Handicrafts Group in Chonnabot District, Khon Kaen.
The brand name was chosen based on the subdistrict’s traditions and culture, as well as the major cultural tourist attractions in the subdistrict, such as Kharawa Waterfall and Buddhist caves in the area. The U2T training took place at Rasee Temple, Moo 12 in Kham Pom Village, Khua Riang. Participants in the training included representatives from 12 villages in the subdistrict. In the workshop component of the training, attendees learned about dyes, patterns, and weaving in the context of conveying Khua Riang identity.
The day also included group activities that facilitated exchange of knowledge and self-analysis, aiming to decode and construct an identity around Mudmee crafts. Participants also practiced observing their surroundings in order to develop their work with silk handicrafts. The outcome of this training was an increased sense of community identity, which is expected to lead to an enhanced production value and increased income among people in the subdistrict.
News: Dr. Porntip Phontusang
Pictures: U2T working group for Khua Riang Subdistrict
For more information, visit https://th.kku.ac.th/66103/
