Thai Tribal Crafts

Thai Tribal Crafts, which is based in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, markets handcrafts made by "hill tribes" that migrated from China and are living in the mountains of northern Thailand, Burma, and Laos. Some of the tribes represented include Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Akha, and Hmong- each with its own unique culture and language. Lisu women are known for their tiny stitches and brightly-colored appliques; the Karen, which is the largest tribe in Thailand, make musical instruments and ikat weavings; the Hmong use reverse applique and produce batiks, decorated with some of the most exquisite needlework found anywhere. Many Lahu women are skilled embroiderers, using patchwork and cross-stitch, and learn to weave on a backstrap loom.