Fair Trade Culture

August 1st, 2007 by Amanda

Bamboo is a very important natural resource to Thai culture. It provides food, shelter, tools, and materials to create an array of handicrafts and household goods. Bamboo is similar to grass, and harvesting it causes little to no devastation to the environment. Mr. Soontorn and Mrs. Praphaisri Utranan, along with family, skillfully strip the bamboo wood to create thin but strong strips that can be wound and pressed together to create bowls, lamps, tables, and other unique products. The pieces are then painted and dried in the sun to add strength and durability. Just outside of Chiang Mai city, a large number of artisans with different unique skills reside. For many years, this historical city has been a trading center for arts and other goods. Now, although the city itself has changed dramatically, the local people still keep their traditions alive through crafts by creating for those interested locally and internationally.