A Development of the Local Wisdom of Traditional Handicrafts to be Community Innovations: A Case Study of Khongchaim, Sirinthorn and Bundarik Districts, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The research aimed to study the local wisdom related to handicrafts leading to creative community innovations and to develop a model of the community of traditional handicraft innovation along the border area of Ubon Ratchathani province. The research was qualitative work. The research instruments were an in-depth interview, and records of participatory and non-participatory observations. Which were used to collect data from the following sample sets: local scholars, community leaders, and members of the handicraft groups totaling 20. Major findings are as follows. 1) For a diversity of local wisdom related to local handicrafts found in the border communities, there were both household tools and handicrafts used as animal traps. Including a round-shaped rice container, a square-shaped rice container, a rice-steaming bamboo tool, a rice-winnowing basket, a fish container, locally made broom, etc. 2) For the development of the local handicrafts along the border districts, three stages were developed: 1) a public forum for community opinions, 2) a development stage of the local handicrafts, and 3) imparting knowledge to the communities. Accordingly, five products were innovated from the model: plant pots from the basket, plant pots from the rice steaming container, a bag from the rice steam container and a bag from the rice bamboo container. These innovations were from an application of innovation in a creative economy. Innovations generated under the creative economy principles were adapted to develop the local wisdom of the border villages in order to promote the grassroots economy and drive a new stream of economy so that communities grow stronger and more economically sustainable.