The Myth of Mien Origin, Symbology in Textile: An Archive of Iu Mien Embroidery Motifs from Ban Pang Kha, Pong District, Phayao Province

บทคัดย่อ

This research focused on the study of Iu Mien embroidery motifs. Iu Mien is a Thai ethnic group, which generally lives in the hill area. Their dress and costume have a strong, unique ethnic identity. Iu Mien’s knowledge and skills in textiles are usually hands-on by a matriline. Iu Mien embroidery is across-stitch technique, and the appearance is in a geometric pattern based on the fabric grid lines. The distinctive feature of ethnic embroidery is that the design is stitched directly onto the fabric’s reverse without leaving any knots, so it is beautiful
on both the front side and back side. Moreover, the pattern is connected to myths, beliefs, and ways of their life. The study site was in Ban Pang Kha, Pong District, Phayao Province, Thailand. The objective was to collect data and evidence of traditional embroidery motifs in text and photographs for an archive and as a document for future generations. The research approach and methods were studied using evidence from old fabric and personal interviews. The analysis was based on the theory of material folklore by studying the myth of the Iu Mien’s origin, a deity named Pan Ku, a dragon dog, and a scripture painting called Cia Sen Pong - a passport of the Iu Mien tribe. The results showed approximately 60 traditional embroidery motifs of the Ban Pha Chang Noi, Ban Pang Kha, and Phu Lanka Districts. Some of the motifs were linked to the myth of the Iu Mien’s origin. Other patterns were inspired by the environment, nature, and life.