Simply put, the Karen people are about weaving and farming. As the outside world moves further into the mountains, six ethnic Karen women are working through their cooperative to keep the timeless art of weaving alive.
Nong Tao is a community of about 150 homes in the mountains of northern Thailand. In their farming way of life, the Karen of Nong Tao persevere through hardship, but nonetheless, they see it as vital that they preserve their culture and their way of life. It’s in this context that the Karen strive to find the means to support their children through secondary and post-secondary school.
These are the reasons why the co-operative exists. It enables Karen women to bring income into their families in ways that are fundamentally Karen.
Suneesa made the decision to return to her village to help her community by starting the women’s weaving co-op, and now contributes to the design and sewing of woven products.
Duong Jai was taught to weave from her mother when she was a young girl. Duong Jai hopes that in the future, the children of Nong Tao will complete University and get good jobs.
Where to find weavings of the Ladies of Nong Tao
The woven products made by the Ladies of Nong Tao are very special. Weavings are made by hand on a back strap loom, a tradition which is passed from mother to daughter. Some designs carry through from generation to generation, and are unique to each family. Others are unique creations, often inspired by patterns found in nature.All profits go directly to the women of the co-op. From the sale of each product, they contribute to an education fund for the children of the village.