Description:
Lifelong Learning Payap participants will first have a short presentation by the Director of KALM Village, a new art, craft and culture center located in the Chiang Mai old city. Following the introduction to KALM, we will have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the Chin People and Culture through a talk by the family that is currently exhibiting their collection of Chin textiles at KALM Village. You will see the textiles and hear stories about ten of them, plus our speakers will answer your questions and lead you through their exhibition. After the program you may want to remain to have lunch or coffee at the restaurant or coffee shop inside the Village, and explore the other exhibits and places of interest there. The Village is fully handicap accessible.
About the Exhibit:
Textiles are an essential part of Chin culture, which encompasses various groups of people living in western Myanmar, northeastern India and eastern Bangladesh. The Chin people, also called Zo, Lai or Kuki, have a rich and diverse tradition of textiles, which reflect their style, skill and cultural significance. Textiles are not only admired for their aesthetics and craftsmanship, but also used as a way of narrating stories, events and beliefs.
The exhibition includes a selection of textiles, garments and jewelry from the YOYAMAY collection, which spans over 30 years. The collection covers different Chin speaking groups, such as Northern Chin, Southern Chin, Khumi/ Khami/ Mro, and Sho.
Besides the heritage textiles and objects that YOYAMAY has collected and displayed in this exhibition, Kalm Village is hosting a mini pop-up shop by YOYAMAY, which features their work in preserving knowledge through documentation and production of their contemporary textiles and products. This is part of their ongoing effort to create opportunities for Chin women to earn a living with their inherited knowledge.
The exhibition invites us to explore the history from the perspective of Chin people with their valuable cultural heritage, and to examine how textiles can strengthen the sense of kinship and belonging. The exhibition also offers us ways of learning from the past to better understand and shape our present situation.”
Parking is available in a lot across from the Village. We will limit our group to 30 participants, so sign up early to be sure you will get to attend this special presentation.
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