As part of the objectives of The James H. W. Thompson Foundation which are to encourage studies about Southeast Asia’s rich cultural heritage, the Foundation organized a textile symposium in August, 2005 entitled Status, Myth and the Supernatural - Unraveling the Secrets of Southeast Asian Textiles. The symposium was held at the request of the many scholars and textile collectors who had attended the Foundation’s first textile conference organized in 1999.

While the first conference Through the Thread of Time — Southeast Asian Textiles provided a general introduction to textiles by presenting papers on a wide range of topics, for the second conference it was decided to focus on a specific theme. The question posed to the speakers concerned the role that status, myth or the supernatural plays in the making and use of Southeast Asian Textiles.

This publication contains the papers presented by the textile experts and scholars who were invited to answer this question. Their varied and colorful responses help document important traditions, beliefs and customs, many of which are disappearing as this publication is being printed.

The Status, Myth and the Supernatural symposium attracted over two hundred and fifty participants from all over the world. Fifteen scholars and textile experts presented fascinating papers on a variety of thought provoking topics. Many who attended the conference suggested that there be more discussions related to textiles and their function in society. Hopefully, this publication will help raise questions, stimulate discussion and encourage more research.