WEAVE

Muga Pado (Big Aunty, literally, in the Karen language) is Karen by ethnicity. and has been one of the pioneer embroiderers of WEAVE’s handicraft project. Muga Pado’s family escaped to Thailand in 1990 from the human rights atrocities perpetrated by the Burmese military junta.

Back home in her village in Karen State, Burma, Naw Wah May Paw sold rice and curry at the roadside to make money for her family. But her livelihood and safety were threatened when the Burmese military began attacking nearby villages. She endured the constant fear and threat, until an attack occurred close to her [...]

For over 10 years, Naw Tha Blay Paw has lived in Umpiem Mai Camp, her second refugee camp. Her hometown is in Karen State, Burma, but she fled to Thailand after being continually harassed by the Burmese military looking for her brother, a supporter of the Karen separatist revolution. The harassment took its toll, making [...]

Fifty-five year old Naw Ka Mwee Paw left Burma in 1984 when the ongoing civil war begun by the military regime reached her village. From 1949 on, the Burmese military has continued to oppress, forcibly displace and attack Karen and other ethnic groups. To protect its people, the Karen army (officially the Karen National Union [...]

When we first meet master weaver Naw Moo Paw, we are immediately drawn to the handsome but shy boy sitting next to her. This is her 6-year old son, who accompanies her on her daily errands. He looks much like Naw Moo Paw, with strong cheekbones and a smile that spreads out to his whole [...]