Residents of the northern region of Thailand spin Pafai-Muang silk. They hand-feed the caterpillars to encourage optimal silk spinning. The silk that results from their efforts is light and soft to the touch. Variations in the silk’s color may occur since it is hand-painted with natural colors obtained from native flowers, leaves and wood.
Elephants are an essential part of life in Thailand. Children grow up learning how to ride elephants as commonly as Americans learn how to drive a car. The elephant silver circle of this bag is handcrafted by a Thai silversmith. By representing his homeland’s symbol, the elephant, in his handiwork, the silversmith attempts to tell Thailand’s story to the world.