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Don with the man responsible for the Mulberry trees in the fields. (LAOS, THE MOST HEAVILY BOMBED COUNTRY ON EARTH!)
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Consulting began with a discussion of what the goals were for each section of the fields of trees. (translation was provided)
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Lynne gathered with the ladies preparing the dyes from various natural plants etc.
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www.mulberries.org will provide the full story of "silk for support" the practices of Silveculture (store front in Vientiene capital of Laos)
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The Mulberry growing fields are located in "war-torn" central northern Laos, Xieng Khuong district
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This is the historic area of the "Plain of Jars"
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A region inhabited by the poor like the Mien and Hmong Minorites.
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Where the US dropped hundreds of thousands of bombs 1964-1974
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For years the local people have continued to suffer the results of unexploded ordinances.
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The bombers tried to destroy every living thing during the war when the US was supposedly not in Laos!
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Tourists can take a tour of Mulberries while in the area.
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Don Picker of ATP was able to demonstrate proper pruning practices for the field workers.
www.asiatreepreservation.com
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Many of the plants have become aged and have much damage and decay over 10-15 years of coppicing (cutting back near ground level to regrow a plant)
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Some trees are grown for the fruit to make tea, jam or dye for the silk.
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Pruning to the lateral bud or node to reduce die-back.
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The inferior tools have split and damaged the plants.
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Much inter-nodal decay is evident and fungus introduction has been a problem in the history of growing the Mulberry trees.
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Split caused by poor saws weakens plant stability.
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Rather than random cuts that result in many dead stubs.
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Picker explained the difference of inter-nodal cuts (heading/topping) and crown reduction.
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Previously a Buddhist Monk one of the field workers practices the methods.
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Some plants have been cut more correctly.
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More nodal cutting.
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A rejuvenated plant by cutting to ground correctly.
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On behalf of Asia Tree Preservation Picker donates superior Silky saws for the pruning.
www.asiatreepreservation.com
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These are the normal tools which often result in breaking branches and splitting the plant limbs.
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The new leaves are valued for the 1-2 week old worms as they provide a different nutrient requirement than the older leaf. (Read the details at: http://www.mulberries.org/storyofsilk.htm)
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Silk worm cocoons are boiled with 40-60 strands gathered to form one thread.
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The silk threads are spun and twisted to prepare for the looms.
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Silk worm eggs are purchased in sheets of thousands.
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Each worm must find its own square in the wooden frame to form each separate cocoon.
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Some plants are grown for the mulberries as jam and dye colours.
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In a separate operation ladies bag the dried mulberry leaves to make Red and Green Tea.
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Young man sealing the tea bags.
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The ladies each have a loom available in one of two weaving houses.
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Each person has their own weaving tools and has had the knowledge passed to them by others.
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The weaving practice is a delicate and detailed procedure.
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Don bought this very piece for Lynne's 50th birthday while at the farm!
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This design is one of hundreds called "Lock & Key" (Indigo coloured)
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The loom weaving house provides a communal atmosphere for the work.
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Red dyed Lock & Key design, this piece can take 4-6 days to make (40cmX170cm- US$70.00 Fair Trade)
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There is a shop at the farm and in Luang Prabang in the north and also in the capital Vientiene.
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Most silk products are scarf and shawls with some clothes and bags also.
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Sometimes bolts of cloth can be purchased.
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Don also demonstrated pruning at the growing fields of Noulieme who is one of the joint owners of the Mulberries Project.
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Don discusses with Noulieme the benefits of careful pruning cuts with good tools.
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On behalf of ATP Picker pledges to provide superior Silky saws for pruning.
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Everyone loves the Silky saws.
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Kommaly Chanthavong, wife of Noulieme is responsible for the creation of Mulberries and many other craft companies developed following the war. (2005 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee)
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The Mulberries Company is recognized by UNESCO.
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A Fair Trade Organization means real income to the weavers.
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Raw silk threads boiled in mud and hung to dry.
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All the dyes are made from natural ingredients.
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This is the seeds of a tree known as Mai-du which is grown as a shrub or very large tree.
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Red Mulberry makes a wonderful natural dye.
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Lynne helping to open the seed pods for the dye production.
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Pickers purchased a large amount of the silk scarfs and shawls to try to help market them.
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Contact Don & Lynne (donpicker@atptree.com)
if you would be willing to help market or just purchase products.
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These products are unique and delicate with a fine yet raw and natural appeal.
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