Palm leaf fish mobile

Woven pla tapian, hung above the cradle for good fortune.

Living traditions

About

The woven palm-leaf fish, pla tapian, was first made by Muslim spice traders living on houseboats along the Chao Phraya. Strips of young palm leaf are folded and interlocked into a fish shape, then strung into a hanging mobile.

Hung above a cradle, the turning fish were believed to bring the child good fortune and a full rice bowl. They are still woven by hand and sold at temple fairs and riverside markets.

Where to find it

Where to find it, the villages, workshops and markets around the province where this craft is still made and sold. Tap a pin or card to locate it, then open Google Maps for directions.