Two tiny clay sculptures crafted by a Princess offer a valuable lesson in self-sufficiency

There were many smiling faces at Phufa Treasure Trove on Siam Paragon’s fourth floor, as staff and guests welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the grand opening of the popular gift shop’s newest branch.
Phufa, which has outlets in Siam Discovery Centre, Chatuchak weekend market, Vimanmek Palace and Bon Marche and on Sukhumvit Soi 7 and Kampangpetch Road, as well as in Hua Hin, Market Village, was opened by the Princess five years ago to promote the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai artisans living upcountry.
The Princess spent the first few minutes at the Treasure Trove browsing through the thematic exhibition, which is on show until March.
The exhibit is in three sections: “royal collections”, “Thai folk toys” (from the Folk Museum of Sgt Major Thawee Booranakhet) and “in praise of beads”.
After observing the shop’s fascinating treasures, the Princess showcased her creativity by sculpting two dinosaur designs from a piece of clay.
The choice of clay was no accident but underscored how this low-cost easily available material can be used in making toys for the local market.
The Princess has often expressed the wish that villagers find way of generating more income while reducing overheads, by relying on inexpensive, home grown materials.
And her two dinosaurs are not simply rich in symbolism, they will also have an added value.
Phufa is to produce replicas to sell as souvenirs for appropriate occasions To find out more about the royal collections or simply pick up some souvenirs and gifts, drop into Phufa.