Moken Art Collective

In 2024, the Moken initiated a unique collaboration with American artists Duncan and Melany Berry, a technique for making artistic impressions from creatures of the sea and the land around them. This place-based art form honors the hundreds of years of relationship between these indigenous peoples of the sea, and those fish and plants that have provided their sustenance, shelter, and ceremony.

The Moken are natural story-tellers and this art form is an expression of their everyday experiences. The leader of the Moken village has developed an extraordinary talent for this art form and has helped build a collective of artists from this remote and beautiful island chain.
Village leader Ngui said: “Sometimes people bring a fish as a gift to the Moken. But by teaching us to make nature prints, you did not just bring a fish, but you brought the tools and knowledge to go fishing as well.”

This project is a unique opportunity for them to make valuable income while sharing deep-rooted and fascinating stories of Moken culture with the world.
The Moken have opened a stand in the village, where visitors can purchase their latest art productions.
You can be the proud owner of this compelling indigenous art; in the form of cards, matted prints, larger “story” pieces (mounted on hardwood), as well as wearable t-shirts, bandanas, scarves or Sarongs. All pieces are one-of-a-kind originals made by taking direct impressions from nature.

Note: 100% of proceeds go directly to the artists and the purchase of materials.

You can CONTACT US to place a direct order from the collective, either to pick it up on your next Surin visit, or for us to ship the artwork directly to you.