Abstract:
Wickerwork handicraft reflects profound values of Thai history, culture and indigenous knowledge of Thai people inharmoniously blending the use of natural materials in their way of life. In addition, the production process and product design reflected the combination of both local culture and usability concept thus providing clear indication of Thai local knowledge and identity.
The results of this study were a) the production process exemplified the adequate knowledge of the workers, b) the type of work was for daily basis, c) the ornamental design and furniture were for utility purposes, d) the formats of the design were for bag, basket, box and utensil along with its customized design, e) the design patterns were khud, dokpikul, ruongkhao, khid and mudyomand alike, f) the materials were sisuk bamboo and water hyacinth, g) the tools used were knife and wood/foam models, h) the maintenance was done by experts to clean and keep the knife sharp, i) the wickerwork processes started from preparing bamboo strips, forming with wood or foam model and drying under sun for 1 whole day before waxing, and j) the conservation and development processes were done by conserving the old format, developing new design due to customers need, promoting local or recycled materials, transferring wicker work process to successor or those who were interested in.