Tae Maeng Ngon (Tai Dam Bamboo Fly Swatter) — a 2 × 50 cm Split-Bamboo Swatter, the End Split into Slats Spread like Fingers and Woven into a Triangle

"For the blade, the split bamboo is divided into about 5-6 slats, spread out like fingers, and strips are woven back and forth across them until they form a triangular sheet." (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip), CC BY 4.0)

Split bamboo about 2 cm wide and about 50 cm long. Shave the splinters off the handle so it can be held.

Split the blade end into about 5-6 slats and spread them out like fingers.

Weave strips back and forth across the slats until they form a triangular sheet. Some places tie cord at the base and tips of the slats to make it last longer.

Photos of a real tae maeng ngon, Ancient Tai Dam Cultural Revival Centre, U Thong, Suphan Buri (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip), CC BY 4.0).

Hold the handle in your stronger hand, lift it and swing so the blade strikes the fly against the floor or a board beneath it.

It is used less today, replaced by plastic swatters, sticky traps and electric traps; but it is easy to make and unusual in shape, so it is still woven for sale, for use or as a souvenir, bringing extra income to the community. Take care with the knife when splitting slats. Source: Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, Traditional Objects of Everyday Use database, "แตะแมงงน", author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip), Ancient Tai Dam Cultural Revival Centre, Suphan Buri (CC BY 4.0 licence). **Limits** The source gives no width for the triangular blade and no handle length.