This study aims to develop a method of retrieving indigenous knowledge, cultural identity,
and artistic quality in local craft through design activities. Taking bamboo basketry
product as the case study, this research selected Bangchaocha, a sub-district in Ang Thong
province, as a representative of Thailand’s rich culture and established crafts village. The
community has recently encountered a problem seen in many craft communities throughout
Asia – one that sees the loss of their traditional craft identity due to foreign traders placing
large orders for generic products that showcase neither indigenous craft knowledge nor
traditional craftsmanship. This study aims to show how the design activities can help
empower the Bangchaocha craft community to appreciate, utilize, and market their
invaluable craftmaking skills.
Our research method grouped design students and professional designers into three teams each
with
their
own
unique
strategy.
Each
team
was
then
assigned
to
collaborate
with
local
craftspeople
and
craft
“children”
in
testing
three
different
design
scenarios:
(1)
Master
and Apprentice
in
old
time
craft
scenario
(2)
User
and
Designer
in
co-creation
scenario
(3)
Maker
and Designer
in
current
global
crafts
scenario.
The
methodology
employed
by
each
team
was
based
on an
anthropological
approach.
The
activities
involving
locals
were
mostly
conducted
in
a
participatory
and holistic manner.
The three teams started with the same preparatory method of learning basic Bangchaocha
craft weaving skills from the locals. Naturally the different approaches adopted by each
group produced uniquely different and valuable results. Thus, the research concluded that
the 3 types of designer/craftspeople social relationships and design activities would greatly
benefit Thailand’s crafts communities as efficient mechanisms for the retrieval of local
know-how.
DRS 2012 Bangkok
