A COMPARISON STUDY OF ISAN AND OKINAWAN DYEING AND WEAVING

Abstract

This academic article presents a comparison study of the dyeing and weaving in Isan, Thailand, and Okinawa, Japan. There were field trips to main weaving and dyeing areas in Okinawa and Kume island where interviewing and practicing took place. The collected data is compared to that of Isan. Although each has their own remarkable textile crafts and cultures, they share some common dyeing and weaving techniques. This is because of cultural diffusion through trading in ancient times to all over Asia. Afterwards, each has developed its own technique and design according to their environment. The results of the comparison are in 2 topics as following. 1. Dyeing: Natural dyeing materials are used in both places but difference in local material types. Because of topography of the islands, there are number of minerals used for dyeing in Okinawa. There is also a traditional dyeing technique for fabric, Bingata, which is a rice paste-resist dyeing through a cut-paper stencil or in a freehand method. 2. Weaving: Silk and cotton fibers are used for weaving in both places but difference in local types. In additions, ramie and banana fibers are used in Okinawa. There are also similar in weaving techniques that are Ikat; the technique of making patterns that warp or weft threads, or both, are tie-dyed before weaving, and pattern weaving which is like Float Weaving; the technique of making patterns with floating threads. However, there are differences in processes and patterns. Benefits of the comparison are to improve and develop dyeing and weaving as well as to create new designs by applying certain techniques.