Nai (Chung Phian) — the Wheel Turns Slowly, the Spindle Fast, Spinning Cotton into Thread

"The belt, made of cord, runs between the wheel and the iron spindle. When the wheel is turned, the spindle turns with it, but faster than the wheel, because the wheel and the spindle differ in size." (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip), CC BY 4.0)

Shave hardwood or bamboo into strips about two inches wide, tapering at both ends, as long as the size you want. Lay them crossed in an X, or cross 4-6 of them, and drill a hole at the centre for the axle. Bind all the ends into a circle, then string cord crosswise across the width of the wheel for the belt to run on.

Stand a hardwood upright for the wheel on a base board laid flat and pass the wheel's axle through it. Fix another board to the base, parallel to the wheel, as the base for the spindle.

Pass the iron spindle through small iron loops on that board. Fit a round paper disc on the spindle's base so the thread does not wind into the loops. Loop the cord belt between the wheel and the spindle.

Real photos of a จุงเพียน (chung phian) from ศูนย์ฟื้นฟูวัฒนธรรมไตดำโบราณ (Ancient Tai Dam Cultural Revival Centre) (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip), CC BY 4.0)

Roll the cotton or silk on to the spindle, turn the wheel with the right hand, and with the left hand draw and give as the spindle twists. The thread winds round the spindle; when there is enough, reel it on to a skein winder and tie it into skeins. The spinner needs skill to spin an even thread that does not break.

Local name chung phian (Tai Dam); recorded at the Ancient Tai Dam Cultural Revival Centre, Suphan Buri. Source: Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, database of traditional everyday objects, "จุงเพียน", author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (licence CC BY 4.0). **Limits.** The source gives no wheel or spindle size; the sizes in the model are examples. We use jute twine instead of rattan to bind the spoke ends.