The Akha tribes are a native people from the hills of northern Thailand. They are known for their colorful headsets and brightly decorated hand-woven cloth. Traditionally the women of the tribes spin local cotton with handmade spindles, dye the thread into bright colors, and weave a tightly threaded cloth on hand looms.
Spinning Yarn on the Akha Spindle
Akha women do a significant amount of the work in the village, including tending the fields. Typically the fields are about a twenty minute walk from the village, and they use their time well, spinning yarn as they go.
The traditional Akha spindle is made of local hardwood which is cured underground for months before forming. This spindle has a long shaft, and a small round whorl placed in the center of the shaft. It is a very lightweight spindle, often under a half ounce. This spindle can spin very fast and is perfect for cotton which has a short thin fiber that would break under the weight of a heavier spindle.
The Akha spindle can be spun with tremendous speeds both because of its light weight, and because of the balance created by having the whorl placed in the middle of the spindle. The Akha women are happily sassy and full of life. They wear short skirts which make them look great and creates a nice open spot on their thigh which they use to toss the spindle in a provocative manner as they walk. A nice little ball of yarn can be spun every day. After coming home from the fields they toss their new ball into a basket to be woven into yarn during the winter.
Akha Traditions and Modern Life
The Akha people are deeply superstitious, with each detail of life prescribed action by action. Their tradition is passed on in the form of song. Encroachment of modern life on the hill tribes of Thailand has been hard, and particularly difficult on the Akha tribes with an increase in poppy and opium trade, and many children being sold into slavery.
A foundation, named the Akha Foundation, has been formed to assist with medical needs and bring necessary supplies and education to the tribes. This foundation also works by distributing Akha crafts including beautiful woven vests, toys and personal items. People can visit akhahilltribe.org to buy local traditional crafts and learn more about this fascinating people.
This native tribe, with their colorful dress and deep traditions are worth preserving from a full encroachment of the modern world. Studying and appreciating their traditions, and native crafts, can help keep the native people strong and safe.
Connie Delaney - Connie Delaney writes from Salmon, Idaho where she is a web designer, occasional funny girl, and Dances of Universal Peace leader.
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