Kraoua Tang Kwai and Kratua Tang Seua: History and Development of Ancient Amusement Play

Abstract

Kraoua Tang Kwai and Kratua Tang Seua : History and Development of Ancient Amusement Play was to study the relation between the Kraoua Tang Kwai (Buffalo Stabbing Play), the Royal Amusement Play and Kratua Tang Seua or Bongtan Tang Seua (Tiger Stabbing Play), the Public Amusement Play. The Kraoua Tang Kwai has its roots from ancient ceremony that showed the relation between people and buffalo in agricultural society of Southeast Asian region and was appeared on the cave wall. And historical evidence showed that Thailand was derived Kraoua Tang Kwai from Dawei which was performed in the top knot cutting ceremony and which was performed royal cremation ceremony, and it later became part of the royal amusement play since Ayutthaya until Rattanakosin Era. While, Kratua Tang Seua was applied from Kraoua Tang Kwai by making changes in the cast of the play with similar story line. Nowadays, Kratua Tang Seua still is available in any traditional ceremony. While, Kraoua Tang Kwai is hardly found and thus deserved.