On November 23-25, 2012, Dr. Linda S. McIntosh is leading a study excursion to observe a Chulakathin merit-making festival in Chiang Rai province. This is an opportunity for culture and textile enthusiasts to observe and perhaps participate in the Chulakathin merit-making festival taking place in Chiang Khong District after the end of Buddhist Lent. In a Chulakathin, cotton specifically cultivated for the ritual is processed into woven fabric in a 24-hour period. The woven cloth to be used as monks’ robes is immediately donated to the host temple.

On October 25, 2012, Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, consulting curator of the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection, will examine how Indian trade textiles have influenced handwoven textiles of mainland Southeast Asia, primarily Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Three main types of textiles will be the focus of the presentation. These textile types are decorated with resistant mordant-dyed technique and drawing; double and weft ikat; and supplementary weft techniques.

This is an introduction to textiles produced by the Tai Yuan ethnic group of Thailand. This group is the most populous one inhabiting northern Thailand and composes a minority in the central provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, and Ratchaburi. In northern Thailand, members of the Tai Yuan group primarily reside in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, and Sukhothai. Tai Yuan weavers living in the various areas have developed distinctive weavings, serving as identity markers.

On April 20, Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, consulting curator of the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection, will give a presentation in Singapore for the Friends of the Asian Civilisations Museum Textile Group and other textile enthusiasts. “Influence of Indian Trade Textiles in Mainland Southeast Asia: Examples from the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection” will discuss various hand-woven textiles produced in Mainland Southeast Asia that were inspired by Indian trade textiles.