Art of weaving & singing: Tai Lue in northern Thailand (with videos)

Chiang Rai is full of ethnic diversity, including the Tai Lue people, known for their weaving and traditional clothing.

TAI CULTURE

Art of weaving: Tai Lue in northern Thailand

The Tai Lue (or Tai Lu) are a Tai ethnic group who speak a Tai language, Tai Lue, related to the Thai language. 

Tai Lue are Buddhist like most Thai people are and share many of the same customs and traditions of Thai people such as building pagodas made of sand during Theravadan Buddhist New Years (Songkran).

Tai Lue live in the Golden Triangle area that stretches over many countries from Chiang Hung (or Chiang Rung or Jinghong) in the Sipsong Panna (or เธชเธดเธเธชเธญเธเธเธฑเธเธเธฒ or Xishuangbanna) region of Southern Yunnan, to Maesai, Chiang Khong and Chiang Kham in Thailand, to Muang Yawng in Burma and Muang Sing in northern Laos.

As for history, the mother of King Mengrai (1238–1317) the first king of the kingdom of Lanna in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand was a Tai Lue from Chiang Hung. Borders between countries or states did not exist then as they do now. 

For the history of the Tai Lue and Tai in general based on Chinese, Tai and Burmese historical sources see two papers in the SOAS Bulletin of Burma Research: 1. Intra-dynastic and Inter-Tai Conflicts in the Old Kingdom of Moeng Lü in Southern Yunnan by Foon Ming Liew-Herres here and, 2. Crucible of War: Burma and the Ming in the Tai Frontier Zone (1382-1454) by Jon Fernquest here.

Here is the video and transcript of a guided tour through a wonderful little museum in Chiang Khong that gives people a taste of Tai Lue culture. If you are interested in learning more attend one of the Tai Lue festivals in Maesai and especially the annual Tai Lue festival (เธเธฒเธเธเธฃเธฐเธเธณเธเธตเนเธ—เธฅเธทเนเธญ) in Chiang Kham each which is a gathering of Tai Lue from all over Thailand.

TRANSCRIPT:

Chiang Rai, home to the Tai Lue ethnic group, is well-known for its vibrantly colourful embroidered clothing.

A visit to Si Don Chai Village in Chiang Khong district reveals a history of new clothing and textile traditions, giving you an up-close look at the stunning creations.

0:25

The village's Lue Lai Kham museum founded by a local Lue man, gives you an overview of the groups clothing tradition, its history and culture. 

0:44

The Lue people of northern Thailand migrated from Sipsong Panna, a region in southern China, there are at least six big Lue communities in Chiang Rai, they are devoted Buddhists living simple lifestyles in wooden stilt houses and are reknowned for their cotton and silk weaving skills. 

1:13

The second floor exhibits an array of beautiful Lue clothing with .... from cotton flower giving a soft texture which is warm in winter and light in summer. 

There are many designs, flowers, vines, birds, animals, simple geometry and intricate flowing water styles, weaved using tapestry techniques.

Although they no longer wear traditional clothing today, clothing turns into intense competitition during festivals, when Lue ladies can be spotted in black blouses, wraparound skirts of colourful fancy patterns and white head wraps. 

2:03

Cloth weaving and needlework is a necessary skill Lue women must learn from a young age.

The process from planting cotton to completing a woven piece of cloth is often a lifelong task that inspires folk songs and poetry. 

Once a year, a day before the end of Buddhist Lent, usually in October or November, Lue women will stay up and weave all day and all night. X

2:40

At the rear of the property, there is a souvenier shop and a veranda overlooking the unspoiltlandscape. 

For a complete Lue experience you can spend a night or two at the local guesthouse or homestay where you will be accomodated in beautiful guestrooms

3:08

Activities like cooking and weaving classes can be arranged for you to learn more about the Lue villages way of life. 

The Si Don Chai Village runs alongside highway 1020 about 13 kilometers south of Chiang Khong district. 

TAI LUE SONGS "KAP LUE" :

http://www.bangkokpost.com/vdo/travel/619316/northern-art-of-weaving

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