An Identity Study of Wabula Kites for Jewelry Design through Modular Concepts

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Thai kites are regarded as a traditional folk handicraft that is increasingly losing popularity, raising concerns about the potential loss of indigenous kite-making knowledge. This is particularly true of the Wao Wabula (Crescent Moon Kite) from Narathiwat Province, which is distinguished by its unique form, decorative patterns, and distinctive sound. This research aims to preserve and promote this traditional knowledge by studying the form, patterns, and identity of the Wao Wabula; examining the concepts and theories of Modular Design and Kinetic Art; and designing and developing contemporary jewelry inspired by the identity of the Wao Wabula. Modular Design and Kinetic Art principles were applied to enhance visual interest and add dimensionality to the designs, providing an approach to promoting Thailand’s tourism image.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative research approach. The research began with a review of secondary sources on the Wao Wabula and in-depth interviews with a community master craftsman and experts, conducted alongside a study of the concepts and theories of Modular Design and Kinetic Art. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants, consisting of one community master craftsman with knowledge of Wao Wabula kite-making, one expert in jewelry design, and one expert in jewelry production. Each expert had at least ten years of professional experience.
Results: The qualitative findings were divided into two main aspects. First, the study of the form and identity of the Wao Wabula found that its identity could be classified into three aspects: materials, external structural form, and decorative patterns. Among these characteristics, the external structural form was identified as the most prominent and suitable for application in jewelry design. Second, the study of Modular Design and Kinetic Art concepts and theories found that a modular design system consisting of components with different forms that can be interconnected and used together was suitable for jewelry design because it provides greater flexibility and diversity in creative development. In addition, Kinetic Art involving actual movement was found to create visual interest and liveliness, making it suitable for application to jewelry to enhance dimensionality and movement.
Application of this study: The research applied the structural form identity of the Wao Wabula to the principles of Modular Design and Kinetic Art to create contemporary jewelry. A total of 193 design sketches were developed, from which 63 final pieces were selected and produced.
Conclusions: The integration of the structural form identity of the Wao Wabula with Modular Design and Kinetic Art principles resulted in 63 contemporary jewelry pieces across six collections: The Aesthetic of Wabula, The Charm of Wabula, The Modular of Wabula, The Nature of Wabula, The Deconstruction of Wabula, and The Pattern of Wabula. The developed works reflect the beauty and identity of local wisdom through a contemporary design approach and demonstrate potential for preserving and promoting local knowledge, while supporting tourism and creating sustainable economic value for the community.