Thailand is a country with a rich cultural heritage especially evident in its woven costumes and textilas. These range from simple cotton blankets and ceremonial banners to luxurious silks decorated with gold and silver thread. Over the centuries weavers from southern China, Burma,Laos and Cambodia have migrated into Thailand,and their weaving traditions have further enhanced the variety and quality of textiles and weaving patterns.

The book begins with an ethnic and historical survey of the people of Thailand, their religious and social traditions, and the role textiles play in all aspects of their lives. The author fully describes the ancient arts of silk and cotton production,spinning, weaving and dyeing as practised in the villages where traditional textile production still flourishes. Using visual evidence from sculptures,Buddhist temple mural paintings and court records, she then traces the evolution of Thai costume styles and weaving patterns,demonstrating their regional variations and connection with ethnic identity with a wide range of textiles for dress, ceremonial occasions and for household use.

Acknowledgements

Preface

1 Introduction The peoples of Thailand,their history and culture

2 Textiles, religion and society

3 Silk and cotton production

4 Looms and weaving techniques

5 Thai costumes

6 Ceremonial and household textiles

7 Textiles of north Thailand

8 Textiles of north-east Thailand

9 Textiles of central and south Thailand

10 Conclusion

Bibliography

Glossary

Index