กลุ่มผู้สูงวัยทอเสื่อกก สร้างรายได้มั่นคง จ.จันทบุรี | อาชีพทั่วไทย

Summary

This video showcases the traditional wisdom and craftsmanship of a community of retirees in Ban Tha Chalap, Chanthaburi. They create modern, valuable products from locally grown round bulrush, a plant thriving in the area's brackish waters. The process involves harvesting, preparing, and weaving the bulrush into bags and other products. Despite being considered a weed, round bulrush provides year-round income and helps purify wastewater. The community also collaborates with educational institutions to modernize designs and techniques, sustaining local livelihoods through innovation and craftsmanship.

Takeaways

• 👏 The community enterprise group in Ban Tha Chalaeb, Bang Kacha Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi, creates modern and valuable products passed down through generations.
• 🌿 The local wetland area is ideal for the natural growth of round sedge, a key material for their products, which also provides a sustainable source of income.
• 🌳 Round sedge can grow for 30-40 years after being planted once and can be harvested multiple times a year, especially during the rainy season.
• 💧 The area’s moist soil is perfect for growing round sedge, a plant with smooth green bark, which flourishes in this specific environment.
• 🧺 Despite being classified as a weed, round sedge is carefully cultivated like any other economic crop, with attention to fertilization, weed control, and irrigation.
• 🌸 The round sedge flowers start white, gradually darken, and are harvested based on size to be processed into different products.
• ✂️ The harvested sedge is divided into strips, processed, sun-dried, and dyed to create materials used for weaving products like bags and boxes.
• 🎨 Weaving sedge into products requires high precision and memory, as each strand must be aligned perfectly to create intricate designs.
• 👜 The community has innovated various designs for their products, incorporating unique color schemes such as the 'Lime Green' design, symbolizing local heritage.
• 📚 The elderly community members continue to pass on their skills, collaborating with educational institutions to modernize their techniques and designs while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Q & A

What are the main products created by the community enterprise group in Ban Tha Chalap?

The main products created by the community enterprise group in Ban Tha Chalap are colorful bags and various modern items, made using traditional skills passed down from generation to generation.

Why is the Ban Tha Chalap area suitable for growing 'Kok Lom' (a type of plant)?

Ban Tha Chalap is suitable for growing 'Kok Lom' because it is a wetland area with brackish water, ideal for the natural growth and propagation of the plant.

What role does the 'Kok Lom' plant play in the local economy?

The 'Kok Lom' plant provides a year-round source of income for the local people, and once planted, it can be harvested multiple times annually without the need for replanting.

How does the 'Kok Lom' plant benefit the environment?

In addition to generating income, the 'Kok Lom' plant also helps in wastewater treatment, particularly when used in constructed wetland systems along with other aquatic plants.

What happens after the 'Kok Lom' plants are harvested?

After harvesting, the 'Kok Lom' plants are cut to size, and the stems are peeled and separated. The outer layers are processed into fine strips, which are then dried and dyed according to customer preferences.

What are some challenges in weaving products from 'Kok Lom'?

Weaving products from 'Kok Lom' requires great skill and precision, as each strip must be carefully counted and spaced to create intricate patterns without errors.

How long does it take to weave a typical product from 'Kok Lom'?

It takes about 50-60 inches of material to weave a typical product. The complexity of the design can affect the time it takes, with simpler patterns being completed faster than more intricate ones.

What unique designs or patterns are used in the woven products from Ban Tha Chalap?

Unique designs include wave-like patterns symbolizing happiness. Some products are designed with colors like green, white, and pink, representing traditional elements or specific institutions.

How has the weaving industry in Ban Tha Chalap evolved to meet modern demands?

The weaving industry has evolved by developing new designs and collaborating with educational institutions to modernize techniques. The community now produces a variety of products such as bags, boxes, and other accessories.

How can people interested in learning about weaving or purchasing products from Ban Tha Chalap connect with the community?

People interested in learning about weaving or purchasing products can contact the community at 081-864-2393. The group also collaborates with educational institutions to innovate and improve their product designs.