The Culture and Local Wisdom of the Handicrafts Pandanus Mats in Southeast Asia

Abstract

The purpose of this academic article is to examine and evaluate the culture and wisdom of the pandanus mat handicrafts in Southeast Asia in order to expand and extend the wisdom of Thai pandanus mats. There is an assumption in the study that the pandanus mat in the southeast has a culture and the wisdom that is related or connected with each other. There is a study process by evaluating and analyzing the pertinent data. It is divided into important issues to clearly the comparative summary data and lead to conclusions. The results of the study were summarized into 4 aspects as follows: 1) Pandanus species used by handicraft: Pandanus are palm plants, with over 700 species. In Southeast Asia, there are different species used in weaving. In Thailand, there is a species of Pandanus odorifer or local dialect called "Toei Panan". 2) Wisdom in weaving: both pandanus leaves are used fresh to weave and fresh pandanus leaves that have been heat treated to make pandanus soft and then rolled into strips soaking with water, drying, dyeing and drying again before weaving. In every location examined by this study, only women are artisans. Most of them inherited wisdom from their mothers. The often use bright colors and weave patterns with geometric shapes. 3) Culture of using pandanus mats: There is a cultural traditional of using mats for seating and sleeping, as well as for a variety of rites, including weddings and funerals. 4) Changes in the way of using pandanus mats: As a result of economic and lifestyle changes, fewer pandanus mat are now in use. Traditional mat culture has declined, and cheaper materials have taken its place. There should be further development of culture and creative wisdom of handicrafts of pandanus mats.