The Cultural Heritage of Mo Hom Indigo

Kinetic Jewelry Inspired by Thai Puan Tradition

The Cultural Heritage of Mo Hom Indigo is a unique and captivating collection of kinetic jewelry designed by Duangkhae Bootkul and Pasu Roungpanyaroj. Inspired by the rich cultural traditions of the Thai Puan people in Thung Hong District, Phrae Province, this collection pays homage to the Kamfa tradition and the art of making Hom, an indigo dye powder derived from a local plant known as "Hom".

The Thai Puan people of Thung Hong District have a strong cultural identity, centered around the use of wooden wheels from rickshaws, which have been instrumental in various occupations for over a century. The tradition of making Hom is a reflection of the cultural beauty of Phrae's dress, representing the uniqueness and heritage of the people. The designers have ingeniously combined these elements with deconstruction and kinetic methods to create stunning jewelry pieces that embody tradition and identity.

The jewelry in this collection breaks the rules of conventional perception. Each piece has been meticulously designed using the concept of changing the original configuration, rotating the axis, or altering the position of the structure. The result is a collection of jewelry that can transform and adjust into multiple shapes and formations, showcasing the designers' creativity and skill.

What sets this collection apart is not only its innovative design but also its use of sustainable materials. The imitation jewelry glass-ceramic materials used in these pieces are obtained from recycling waste gemstones, reducing waste in the jewelry-making process. The glass-ceramics are created using a sintering technique with metal powder as a coloring agent, resulting in dense products with enhanced optical properties and a unique metallic shine.

The realization of these designs involves advanced technology. The designers utilize 3D printing technology to create prototypes with high accuracy, allowing for intricate parts and fluid movement. The jewelry also incorporates new joint and assembly techniques that eliminate the need for welding, reducing energy consumption and making the production process more environmentally friendly.

The Cultural Heritage of Mo Hom Indigo collection offers wearers a unique experience. The kinetic nature of the jewelry allows for shape-shifting and transformation, making it suitable for various situations. The wearer can interact with the jewelry by pushing and pulling, creating different forms and even using it as a mini sculpture for decoration.

This remarkable collection was developed over the course of a year, starting in April 2020 and concluding in April 2021. It has been exhibited in various locations around Bangkok, showcasing the beauty and innovation of Thai design.

The Cultural Heritage of Mo Hom Indigo collection has received recognition for its excellence. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2022. This prestigious award honors designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements.