Yan Lipao   (Lygodium Ciliare), found in abundance in the southern regions of

Thailand where the climate is moist and the soil sandy, is a vine bearing a variety of

names. In Chandburi, where a little of it is found, it is known as pak krachod.  To the 

local people of Nakhon sri Thammarat, it is yan libu whence is becomes yan nipao,

yan lipao and even yan yai for others. Libu is a Malay word meaning a house-lizard's

foot to which the edge of yan lipao are :

       1. Yan Lipao Khao        - This variety is found on mountains and is generally not put

to any use.

       2. Yan Lipao Yong         - This small leafy vine hebitually entwines other vegetation in

such confusion that it is difficult to disengage without breaking its lengths. It is sometime

used as strings for tying and often as decoration for such ceremonies as tonsuring, 

initiation into monkhood, and blessing of a new house.

       3. Yan Lipao Yai            - A tough straight vine always climbing to the highest point 

of any support within its reach, Yan lipao yai is easily visible to all who look for it. It grows

to approximately two metres in length and the size of a matchstick in circumference with

leaves measuring about fourteen by two centimetres. Household utensils woven from it

are of such durability that they are said to withstand all weather, perfectly reataining their

shapes for centuries. Together with inflammability, this makes it a popular raw material 

for basketry in the regions to which it is indiginous.

           Nakhon sri Thammarat's craftmanship in yan lipao basketry dated back over the

centuries though the beginning is not clearly known. Products ranged from household 

utensils, bird cages and toys, to sophisticated tobacco containers, betel-nut sets and 

bowls in which to take flowers and incense to the temple. An exquisite sample of

old-time craftsmanship can be seen at the National Museum......

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