THE CULTURAL IN IDENTITY APPEARED IN THE LOCAL PRODUCTS OF BUA MAT SUB-DISTRICT, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research aimed to study the local products of Bua Mat sub-district, Borabue district, Maha Sarakham province. The data were collected through related document review, field-trip observation, structured interview and unstructured interview.

            The results showed that local products of Bua Mat sub-district, Borabue district, Maha Sarakham province were divided into 4 categories: 1. Food 2. Herbal Medicine 3. Instrument and 4. Garment. The products included: 1. Fermented fish 2. Herbal shampoo 3. Hand woven straw hats 4. Basketry 5. Hand woven reed mat 6. Cotton, and 7. Mudmee silk. The study of cultural identity regarding local products showed that fermented fish was the main ingredient of Isan food and it represented food preservation wisdom of local people. Regard to herbal shampoo, local bergamot, white crane flower and butterfly pea were used to make the shampoo more valuable. This showed how local people believed in natural benefits and their self- sustainability. Furthermore, hand woven straw hats, baskets and reed mats showed their cultural identity through the patterns adapted from the context of community. This reflected Isan locality. Finally, the patterns of hand-woven cotton and Mudmee were unique, beautiful, exotic and different from other locality. Their locality was presented through the fabric which preserved the patterns of their ancestors.