Light Handicraft Folk Wisdom of Stena District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the collection and classification of light handicraft folk wisdom and 2) the methods of knowledge and local wisdom transfer in the aspect of light handicraft in Sena District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The qualitative research methodology was employed. Thirty key informants included Subdistrict headmen, village headmen, and local wisdom scholars. The instruments for collecting data were an interview form and in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed by content analysis and presented in descriptive analysis.

                The research revealed that:

1. The collection and classification of light handicraft folk wisdom included four categories with 18 types: 1) Five types of basketwork; Kenaf basket weaving, rattan basket weaving, palm leaf hat weaving, plastic basket weaving, and bamboo chicken coop weaving, 2) Four types of sewing; fabric bag sewing, grass broom making, genuine cowhide sewing, and loincloth-patterned shirt sewing, 3) A type of sedge mat weaving, 4) Four miscellaneous works consisting of artificial flower making, fish trap making, mouse trap, and coconut midrib mobile hanging. 2.  For the methods of knowledge and local wisdom transfer in the aspect of light handicraft, the Kenaf basket weaving, rattan basket weaving, palm leaf hat weaving, plastic basket weaving, bamboo chicken coop weaving, fabric bag weaving, grass broom making, genuine cowhide sewing, loincloth-patterned shirt sewing, sedge mat weaving, artificial flower making, fish trap making, mouse trap, and coconut midrib mobile hanging were inherited from ancestors by observing and self-practicing. The taught content was not recorded in writing. Individual practice was a key in knowledge transfer through demonstration and storytelling. There were three methods of folk wisdom teaching, namely material, equipment, and tool preparation, material and equipment indication, and actual operation. The teaching media was persons who were relatives, neighbors, and actual media. There were four aspects of knowledge obtained from folk wisdom decoding: folk wisdom, such as handicraft folk wisdom of people in the community. They were made for use in the household because many people in the community were farmers with rice farms or orchards. For the education aspect, there were methods of teaching descendants about conservation. For the social and cultural aspect, the folk wisdom could imply the lifestyle of people in the community where people talked to and shared opinions. For the economic aspect, people can pursue a career to generate added income for their family.