A Song Written and Sung By The Women Of Prae Pan

Translated by: David Streckfuss

Upon this length of exquisite cloth there is the flow of time, way of life, and spirit
With the cotton thread, each strand of silk that is woven into beautiful cloth
Each having passed through scrutiny, selected of different hues and patterns, mixed with
the labor and heart of those who have poured such into each and every cloth
Appears like a chronicle which speaks of the movement of the ages, worthy of being
      remembered
The beauteous art of this craft reflects its unique charm which no machine could ever
      equal
A most excellent cultural heritage, the most challenging task facing the new generation
Beyond realizing the value of the good they already possess
This social heritage, created by our ancestors, must be passed on
This task you, too, have a share in.

Preparing the silkyarn Salapan Composer:   Phra Suk Mattapanang Singers:       Mae Nark Nailee                     Mae Si Omeod                      Pi Onchan Kaewoung Lampoen Singer:         Pi Pensri Huanong Musicians:   Phor Noo Tonevut (kaen)                     Pi Kumnai Huanong (drum) Everyone, please Listen to me! I would like to tell The story of reeling I’m sure you’d enjoy hearing… Now, before reeling put water in the pot Over the fire Until the water boils Put cocoons into the pot Then, do reeling Let the yarn pass through a wooden spool After getting the silk yarn Process it with the “leng” Then twist the yarn Brothers and sister, please remember… To make the silk yarn smooth without knots Then transfer it to the “kong” and “ark” Do not leave any knots! After bleaching the yarn Transfer it back to the “kong” and “boak” When finished Go for the dyeing After all these steps Start the “mudmee” patterns Like what our grandmothers had done before Since the old days Weaving so many patterns From the past… The many patterns We have since the old days… Housewives, please remember Our group is known to make Very beautiful patterns That is treasured…

Mudmee Composer:   Phra Suk Mattapanang Singer:         Pi Nookye Sankarn Musicians:   Phor Noo Tonevut (kaen)                     Pi Kumnai Huanong (drum) Isaan women have nurtured  Something very special Since the old days! I’d like to share with you Something about our “mudmee”… In the old days Children practiced along with parents Making “mudmee” Listen, I’d share with you… Use banana leaf fibre to tie the silk yarn Then dye it in different colours For three colours, tie three rounds And dye three rounds The last colour to dye Makes the warped yarn Tie the yarn tightly And follow the pattern closely Then it will be beautiful! Good “mudmee” starts with designing beautiful pattern Women is Isaan are creative They design patterns rooted in nature For example, trees and flowers Each pattern can be created from many sources The “komjed” pattern comes from the water scoop There are many beautiful patterns… Please remember Ordinary cloth Is not as beautiful as mudmee With many colours and patterns To have harmonious colours The process is laborious Yet spiritual… Requiring concentration And coordination of hands and mind In preparing the silk yarn And a lot of patience… Mudmee sarung make our women beautiful and dignified Because mudmee is the symbol of Isaan Please remember Making silk and weaving preserve our heritage Brothers and sisters, please reflect…

The Weaving Poem

Written by: The Women of Prae Pan
Translated: David Streckfuss

    This poem explains a process so many weavers experience everyday, as well as the pride that rests in these women for keeping Thai tradition alive in modern society.  In addition, the women want people to come and buy their crafts, so they can support the next generation of weavers.

Getting up in the early morn to steam the rice and boil some fish. Then breakfast and hurrying and preparing to wait to sit to weave.  Taking the dyed orange thread and spinning thread onto the spindle. Placing the spool in the shuttle and shooting it through the loom.  Pressing down on the loom's pedals to bring the tam pattern out, going up and down.  Cloth both large and small. My group and I have attentively conserved Thai Culture since the ancient times.  There are only colors from tree bark, without using chemical colors.  We sell our goods everywhere.  Some work deep into the night for electricity brings us more light than before.  The authorities encouraged us to set up a committee.  Teachers from the Arts Center also helped.  Listen to us!  There is an intermingling of green and purple, at a low price.