The Development of Silk Weaving Products Using Wisdom of Buddhist-Oriented Prasat Hin Pattern Design for Product Value Creation Through Community Participation Processes in Sisaket Province. DOI:

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) study the conditions of silk weaving product development through the wisdom of stone castle pattern design based on Buddhist concepts; (2) develop silk weaving products and stone castle patterns through a community participatory process in Si Sa Ket Province; and (3) evaluate the product development outcomes in order to create cultural and economic value added. This study employed a participatory qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through interviews and action research involving Buddhist monks knowledgeable in Buddhist principles, the Ban Hua Chang women’s silk weaving group, community development academics, and local philosophers, totaling 25 participants. The research instrument used was an
in-depth interview form.

The findings revealed that: The silk-weaving communities in Si Sa Ket Province possess strong cultural capital and local wisdom, particularly in traditional weaving techniques and their connection to stone castles as historical, artistic, and Buddhist heritage sites. However, the integration of stone castle motifs into textile design remains limited and lacks systematic development. The application of Buddhist concepts is still largely symbolic, resulting in the underutilization of the creative potential of stone castles as a source of inspiration within both the community and society at large.

The development process was conducted according to the Participatory Action Research approach, allowing weavers, community leaders, local philosophers, designers, and researchers to collaboratively decode stone castle motifs, design patterns, experiment with weaving, and continuously improve the products. As a result, new silk patterns reflecting local identity were created, successfully integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary concepts. The newly designed stone castle motifs appeared on handwoven silk fabrics inspired by various stone castles created by the Ban Hua Chang women’s silk weaving group in Si Sa Ket Province, including patterns based on Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai Stone Castle, Wat Sa Kamphaeng Noi Stone Castle, Ban Prasat Stone Castle, Prang Ku Stone Castle, and Don Tual Stone Castle.

The evaluation showed that at the output level, beautiful new silk patterns were created and developed into contemporary cultural products. At the outcome level, these products generated added value and gained wider market acceptance. At the impact level, the participatory process under the framework of Buddhist Dhamma helped strengthen the community, facilitate the transmission of local wisdom, and promote community sustainability, ultimately leading to the long-term elevation of Sisaket silk as an ethical and cultural product.