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Karen Hill Tribe Thai Silver Karen hill tribe silver, or Thai silver, has become a popular type of silver used in jewelry making. It is made in Much of the population of Traditionally, the Karen people are skilled farmers who have been dependent on rice and vegetables grown in forested areas, or in small plots of land around their villages. They practice crop rotation and use elephants to clear their land. The Karen people face difficulties in farming because of government controls on land use, drought and increased water pollution. Much of the land used has been converted into teak and pine plantations. Severe droughts and heavy rains destroy rice fields, roads, irrigation systems and homes. The Karen hill tribe had to develop an alternative to growing. In the early 1960’s, as part of a royal project, silver experts were brought in to share their knowledge of jewelry with the Karen farmers. Using high content silver, the Karen people were taught to handcraft each design from scratch. Over the years, their skills and traditions have been passed down to their families. Today, the work is still done by hand using primitive tools (by today’s standards). From melting, shaping, hammering and engraving each piece is unique and represent the Karen hill tribe culture. Each beautiful silver bead, charm, pendant, toggle clasp, or chain is made in the home of each artisan. Each family is responsible for creating their own unique line of silver products. One family may create beads and another family creates a specific type of flower pendant. When a particular product line is in high demand it ensures the family will be employed. Most of the suppliers who purchase Karen hill tribe silver purchase their products by working with a group of Karen families. The Karen hill people are very poor, hard working people with limited education. Homes are usually shared by generations of family. Houses are made from wood (teak or bamboo), have grass shingles and are usually on stilts. The space under the home is used for animals and some create their silver jewelry there. Toilets are in outbuildings without septic tanks, there is no electricity and water comes from the river. The Karen people usually sleep on mats on the floor and cook over an open fire. Some homes closer to the town are built from more modern materials such as brick and cement. Some of these villagers also have indoor toilets, access to electricity and running water. Karen hill tribe, or Thai silver is also fairly traded. Fair trade is a social movement that promotes a set of standards for international trade. It ensures fair wages for both women and men. It enables production which is socially just and environmentally sound. Fair trade ensures safe and healthy working conditions and also the well being of children. Women are always paid and empowered for their contributions and work. Fair trade also encourages better environmental practices among producers. Because of many dedicated organizations, vendors and consumers, the standards of living are slowly improving for the Karen hill people. Purchasing Karen silver is so much more than just purchasing a piece of jewelry. Each bead, pendant, charm and clasp shares the Karen culture and individual artistic view. Most importantly, purchasing Karen silver provides the opportunity for improving their quality of life. |
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