Sue Kok mat is from a tree called "Kok".(Thai: thai word, pronounced: [kk] ), Known as reed tree in English. The way to weave Kok was a tradition of Thai culture which teach from generation to generation. Every region in Thailand know how to weave Kok because Kok can grow in every region in Thailand.
Origin
The first record of weaving Kok was about 60 years ago or 1956 BC. Most of people will start at weaveing the Kok in triangle shape to use in daily life like sitting or sleeping. The way to weave Kok was taught in family system. Nowadays more people are interest and study about the Kok so this tradition will not be extinct and let our next generation have a chance to study about it.
Growing
Before weaving the Kok, you need to have a tree first. First we need to have a land to grow the Kok first which every step how to prepare the land was the same way as growing rice. Kok take only 3-4 months to harvest. The way to harvest Kok has several steps. First you need to cut the Kok at the stub. Then cut it in 100cm to 450 cm. Cut the flower as well so it can be cut in column. The next step is dry the Kok by bring it to the sunlight for two days. Then boil the water and put the color in it and now put the Kok in it for 10 - 15 minutes. The last step is bring it outside to get the wind for 3 - 4 days and now Kok is ready for weaving.
Weaving
For weaving method, we thread plastic tendon with the reed of a loom as a vertical line by size of palm span that we set. Then we put Kok in to shuttle weaving weave it in horizontal line similar as fabric weaving.
Until it is become as a mat, we fasten its edge next cut it from a woven. At last we dress it edge again for being neat and beautiful.
Type
Chathaburi mat:
Chanthaburi mat is made from Kok that grows in Chanthaburi province or in southwest province. It is grow by normal water which this type of Kok doesn’t give a strong fiber which opposite from growing by normal water mixed with salt water.
Langka mat:
Made from Kok that is grown by nature which mostly used in several province; For example : Sakon Nakhon, Khon kean and Kalasin province.
Kok mat ( Triangle type):
Mostly used in northeast region which can be used for sitting or sleeping.
Reference
1. Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the help page).http://ภูมิปัญญาไทย.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-post_9496.htmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the help page).
2. Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the help page).http://54002031.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_7305.htmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the help page).