Thai Tribal Crafts is a member of the World Fair Trade Organisation based in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
The organisation works with women from the numerous tribes living in the mountainous forests of Northern Thailand.
Each tribe has its own dictinctive culture, dress and language although the children are educated together, sometimes travelling 20 miles to school and back each week across rough terrain.
The main tribes are:
Karen
The Karen tribe is one of the most numerous tribes in Northern Thailand and their traditional crafts are weaving and silversmithing.
Lisu & Lahu
These tribes use the unusual technique of reverse applique to create folded, almost origami-like detailing on clothing and, here, purses.The rich colours in silks and velvets make these some of the most sumptuous designs.
Akha
The Akha tribe use delicate single thread embroidery to create their unique designs.
Hmong
The Hmong tribe use batik as well as embroidery to create interesting designs.
All the purses sold by Accessory Fair were made to order by the ladies of the various tribes and as they use whatever colours of fabric they can find, the purse you receive may vary slightly from the picture.
