Mudmee Cloth
Mudmee cloth is woven from tied thread or silk, dyed by tying it into a pattern before weaving. It is a popular local weaving art, especially in the northeastern region of Thailand and in central provinces like Chainat, Uthai Thani, Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, and Lopburi. In the northern region, it is also woven in Chiang Mai and Nan Provinces.
Mudmee Fabric Making Process
In creating Mudmee fabric, cotton or silk fibers are selected and stretched onto a frame called “Hong Mi”. The parts that should not be colored are tied off with a rope, a process called “Ob”. Traditionally, banana rope was used, but plastic straw ropes have become popular. The tied portions are then dyed and dried. If multiple colors are desired, the process is repeated several times. Tying the pattern requires skilled craftsmanship, as the placement depends on memorization and experience. Unlike other countries, Thailand's Mudmee craftsmen do not use a fixed position for their patterns.
In the weaving process, Mudmee weavers must be careful to align the fabric's threads to create beautiful, overlapping patterns. Weaving Mudmee cloth requires high technical skill and traditional craftsmanship.
Mudmee patterns are inspired by the natural environment, reflecting their cultural way of life, beliefs, and traditions. Common motifs include Dok Kaew (flower), Pine Tree, Khom Ha, Jed Khom, Bai Sri (offering), Deer, Peacock, Turtle, and Naga line.
Mudmee silk cloth with auspicious animal pattern
Mudmee cloth plays a role in life from birth to death. Young women weave it to make clothing from both cotton and silk fibers. These fibers have long been used for trade. The natural dyed material reflects Thailand's diverse plant species, giving Mudmee cloth a unique color while showcasing each ethnic group's dyeing expertise.
Mudmee silk, raised flowers, natural color
Today, knowledge of making Mudmee fabric still exists in some rural areas, but fewer young people are learning this skill. Many communities cannot pass down the weaving knowledge, which makes it crucial for relevant agencies to work together to preserve this cultural heritage. Mudmee cloth was registered as a national cultural heritage in 2010.
Mudmee weaving is an important identity of the Isan people. It is said that Mudmee cloth played a role in establishing the Queen Sirikit Arts and Crafts Center project. When Her Majesty Queen Sirikit accompanied His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on a visit to Sakon Nakhon Province, a village woman presented her with a piece of Mudmee cloth. Impressed by its beauty, Queen Sirikit recommended establishing a project to help villagers gain additional income from their craftsmanship, marking the start of initiatives promoting other traditional arts.
Mudmee cloth is unique because it uses tie-dyeing techniques to create patterns before weaving. Unlike traditional tie-dye, where already woven fabric is dyed, Mudmee's pattern is clearer, allowing for intricate and colorful designs across the entire piece.
Mudmee cloth can be made from both cotton and silk threads. Good Mudmee fabric is determined by the size and clarity of the pattern and the number of colors used. The weaver must be diligent and skillful in dyeing and weaving, especially for small patterns requiring tighter tying and fabrics needing many colors. The clarity of the pattern and contrast with the background color also reflects the weaver's ability.
After the dyeing is complete, the thread is woven with the warp. Weavers must carefully adjust the direction of the threads to ensure a continuous pattern, similar to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. The clarity of the final pattern reflects the care and expertise of the weaver.
Mudmee cloth is intricate, especially in the pattern preparation stage. However, it allows for the weaving of long, continuous patterns, making it ideal for traditional garments like pleated cloth and loincloths, as well as Western-style clothing.
Weaving has evolved to include fabric pattern lifting, resulting in unique fabric textures and incorporating new, royal-style (paha na nang) and contemporary designs. Techniques such as writing patterns on finished fabric are also used.
For those interested in purchasing silk fabric for luxury garments, visit our shop at chobmai.com. Our shop offers a variety of plain colored silk fabrics, Mudmee pattern silk, native and national silk, and local silk in various shades and patterns, all crafted with meticulous quality by expert technicians.
The shop is dedicated to preserving this beautiful culture. Contact the Silkket store team for assistance in choosing products and additional advice via "LineOA : @chobmai". Thank you for your interest in our products, and we are happy to serve you.
Thank You Source:
- Book: Weave Thread is Saisin
- Mudmee Cloth
- Thai Textile: Top 10, Page 78