The Wisdom of Making Palm Leaf Hat Based on Local Resources to Promote the Community Participation of Ban Nang Ra, Bang Pahan District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the wisdom of making “Ngob”; palm-leaf hat; based on local resources to promote the participation of Bang Nang Ra community, Bang Pahan district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province and 2) to study the preservation of the wisdom of making palm - leaf hat based on local resources to promote the participation of Bang Nang Ra community, Bang Pahan district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. This qualitative research collected the data from related documents and field trip interview. The interviewees were totally 5 of the experts, leaders and workers.  The data was analyzed and found that Ban Nang Ra, Bang Pahan District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province is a well- known community in OTOP products especially in weaving Ngob, the palm-leaf hat. Most of the community population are farmers and using local wisdom to earn their living. During the off season of farming, the people in Ban Nang Ra make Ngob, the palm-leaf hat to earn extra income.  The preservation of the wisdom of making palm -leaf hat was through the transferring the wisdom from the teachers to the younger generation by practicing, and by learning through media. A learning center was established for students and interested people. The teachers also trained students in educational institutions. In addition, the course in making palm – leaf hat was broadcast to public via the website and FaceBook page. Moreover, the community has developed the hats not only for wearing for farming, but also for being keychains, or other souvenirs to maintain the wisdom of making palm - leaf hat.