Northern Thailand, historically known as the Lanna kingdom, is known for its rich culture and traditions. However, the fast pace at which Thailand is developing threatens to cause the loss of many of the traditional Lanna arts, foods and language.

One organization looking to help preserve the Lanna culture is Lanna Wisdom School, which ISDSI students visited for a Friday field study. The organization, located in Chiang Mai, aims to serve as a place to develop and improve the existing local knowledge that has been passed down, enable future generations to use the knowledge, and in-turn prevent traditional local insight from being forgotten.

An ISDSI student learning how to make “kanom tian,” a traditional Thai dessert.

One of the key things that students got out of the field study is that Lanna Wisdom School is preserving Lanna knowledge, culture and traditions through modernization.  While the school teaches traditional techniques the final product is often times a slightly modernized version of what it may have once been.

Students learning how to make the filling for “kana tian,” a traditional Thai dessert

Throughout the day students had time to meet with local instructors and learn about making a Lanna dessert, silver engraving and natural dyeing.  One of the activities that best highlighted to students the idea of “preservation through modernization” is that they used traditional silver engraving techniques to make a key chain similar to what is sold in markets around Thailand. In doing so, their appreciation grew for both the effort that goes into the keychains, but more importantly the energy, time and detail that goes into the traditional art of silver engraving.

Students learning how to use traditional silver engraving techniques to make a modern keychain.

Looking to explore the intersection of where cultural preservation meets development, modern techniques and present day demands? Visit our programs page today to learn more about studying abroad at ISDSI for a semester!