AMAZING I-SAN FAIR

16 February, 2010 10:34:00 tat

Font size:

Photo: TAT

February 18 – 21, 2010/ 10.00 – 20.00 hrs At the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok Plenary Hall 1-3 and Hall A and Ballroom

A grand celebration of I-San culture, the Amazing I-San Fair 2010 highlights the tremendous diversity that I-San, Thailand’s northeastern region, offers.

The fair, which is being held in support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Visit I-San Year” promotional campaign from 2008 – 2010, presents the many fascinating aspects of the region’s natural landscape and fabric of life. This diversity is reflected in the art and culture, ancient traditions and rituals still being diligently observed, cuisine, indigenous crafts, folk music, song and dance, and traditional festivals. All reflect the folk wisdom and folk beliefs passed on from generation to generation and very much a part of the natural charm of the Northeastern region.

Engaging cultural presentations, live demonstrations, folk performances and exhibits are all designed to provide insight into I-San culture and I-San ways.

The Amazing I-San Fair 2010 brings together the best of I-San and also offers visitors an opportunity to shop for a diverse range of products and crafts from each of the I-San provinces, all presented under one roof — at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok during February 18 - 21, 2010.

The fair is divided into two main zones — an exhibition zone and a dedicated area for cultural performances, live demonstrations and other activities.

The exhibition zone features a full range of I-San village products and crafts, as well as services on offer such as special tour packages, accommodation offers and other related services.

The Cultural Presentations and Activities Zone
Isan Folk Art and Crafts
Featuring live demonstrations of I-San crafts based on indigenous folk wisdom
    Observe the sketching, drawing, painting or weaving of native patterns, designs and motifs, some of which are highly ornate, on textile, pottery, earthenware, silver and other materials.



Admire magnificent traditional textiles such mudmee silk, the fine prae wa silks woven by the Phu Thai tribal villages in Kalasin province, Hang Karok patterned silk from Buriram province and indigo-dyed textiles from Sakhon Nakhon province.

    Watch as skilled artisans produce other handcrafted items such as triangular Khit pillows, pottery from Dan Kwian, the crafting of various traditional I-San musical instruments, basketry (including reed mats), and others.

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS IN PLENARY HALL 1-3
    Bai Sri Su Kwaan floral art
    Dej-Udom fragrant candles from Ubon Ratchathani
    Malai Khao Tawk — decorative garlands made from puffed sticky rice (khao tawk) from Yasothon province
    Dinosaur-shaped wood-carvings and wickerwork from Ban Nong Duu, Wiang Kao district of Khon Kaen
    Khao Mao, green rice flakes made by pounding unmilled unripe rice grains, from Nam Aom village in Roi Et province
    Kok reed mats from Maha Sarakham province
    I-San musical instruments such as pin, kaen, and vode from Nakhon Phanom province
    Pottery and porcelain from the Ban Khut Na Kham Support Vocational Centre under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in Sakhon Nakhon province
    Accessories decorated with the irridescent and metallic green malaeng thap beetle-wings crafted by the Phu Pan Phu Phan Royal Development Study Center, in Sakhon Nakhon province
    Ban Chiang-style pottery from Udon Thai province
    Phi Ta Khon masks from Loei province
    Bamboo bags from Nong Ya Plong village (Ban Nong Ya Plong) in Loei province
    Triangular khit pillows from Sri Taan village (Ban Sri Taan) in Yasothon province
    Silverware from Ban Choke in Surin province
    Bamboo wickerwork and products crafted from palm leaves from Si Sa Ket province