“From Traditional Thai Dress to Royal Thai Style Dresses”
The Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin, in collaboration with the Society of Indo-Asian Art (GIAK) Berlin, organized a special lecture on Thai transitional textiles
April 10th, 2024
The featured speaker was Assistant Professor Dr. Anucha Thirakanon, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Thammasat University, who is a renowned specialist in Thai textiles, Thai arts, and culture.
Clothing plays a significant role in Thai identity construction and self-representation, from the techniques of production to dressing up for special occasions. Traditional Thai clothing reflects the nation's diverse history, various ethnicities, customs, and everyday practices. During the lecture, Asst. Prof. Dr. Anucha discussed the evolution of Thai national costumes, tracing their development through different periods dating back to the seventh century. He also examined their integration with Western clothing during times of Imperialism and the Post World War II era, while placing them in the context of world history.
Furthermore, Dr. Anucha emphasized the production processes of various Thai textiles, with efforts to enhance sustainability and increase their value in the international context. The various ethnic groups in Thailand produce unique textiles using a wide range of techniques, motifs, and materials. A weaver combines various techniques, colours, and materials to create a textile that reflects their identity or the intended recipient's identity.
Textiles play a significant role in religious beliefs, practices, and social status, and promote cultural and social cohesion, as well as serving as a means of economic development. Therefore, they are a remarkable characteristic of Thai culture. During the lecture, Dr. Anucha discussed the future prospects and opportunities for Thai fabrics in the global market. It was emphasized that the Thai Government is committed to promoting these treasures as part of Thailand's Soft Power and tangible World Cultural Heritage, recognized by UNESCO.
This lecture was held as a part of the Jour Fixe initiative. It is a monthly lecture series for members of the Society for Indo-Asian Art Berlin (GIAK), which takes place every last Thursday at 6 pm.
