Abstract
This is a qualitative research aimed at assessing the current state of Buddhist murals in Northeastern Thailand, the elements of society they reflect and their role in everyday life. The research area for this investigation is Northeastern Thailand, colloquially known as Isan. Three ethnic communities were purposively selected to comprise the research populations. These were the Tai Korat of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Tai Khmer of Buriram Province and Tai Lao of Ubon Ratchatani Province. Data collection tools were basic survey, participant and non-participant observation, structured and non-structured interview, focus group discussion and workshop. Results show that there are two major groups of Buddhist temple murals in Isan: those depicting ancient culture and customs painted prior to 1957 and contemporary murals painted after 1957. For the most part, murals are found on the walls of the ubosot and the instruction halls of the temples. The objectives of mural paintings were to worship the lord Buddha, decorate the temples, provide education to community members and maintain historical records. The paintings are often simple depictions of everyday life with holy or important objects and figures drawn at the tops of the walls, the main story in the middle of the walls and the common man or hell at the base of the walls. The disappointing element of mural creation is the common scenario of covering the murals after creation for protection. Also many people do not understand the stories represented in the drawings. The murals continue to play a role in encouraging community discourse and teaching people how to behave appropriately in society.
Highlights
IntroductionSome examples are the 3000 and 4000-year-old color paintings at Pa Taem National Park, Kong Jiyem District, Ubon Ratchatani Province and those at Kao Jan Ngam, See Kiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Murals have been developed in North-eastern Thailand for thousands of years
Murals are found on the walls of the ubosot and the instruction halls of the temples
Summary
Some examples are the 3000 and 4000-year-old color paintings at Pa Taem National Park, Kong Jiyem District, Ubon Ratchatani Province and those at Kao Jan Ngam, See Kiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. These serve as traces of prehistoric recordings, depicting stories, thoughts, beliefs, social conditions and the surrounding environment of ancient communities. When people moved from forest communities to town and city societies, they sought new ways to display their faith and worship of sacred objects or gods This led to the creation of paintings and other works of art that could represent their beliefs. Art is valuable for the education and culture of people in the community and represents the progress of culture
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