Thailand: Tin chok weaver, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai Province

Women in and around Mae Chaem weave intricately-patterned hems called tin chok (ตีนจก) for locally-produced phasin (ผ้าซิ่น) or tube dresses, usually in the shadow of traditional wooden houses raised on stilts. These tin chok, which feature elaborate and repetitive geometric patterns in predominantly red and gold hues, are generally considered to be the finest in northern Thailand.

Tucked away in a narrow valley, Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม) must rank as one of the least accessible corners of Chiang Mai. Located on the westernmost frontier of the province, it is isolated from the main Chiang Mai valley by the East Thanon Thongchai Range dominated by Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์; at 2,565m Thailand’s highest mountain), and from neighbouring Mae Hong Son province to the west by the Central Thanon Thongchai Range, including Doi Khun Bong (ดอยขุนบง; 1,772m).

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia