The Costume of Surin Khmer Yikay

เครื่องแต่งกายการแสดงยี่เกเขมรสุรินทร์

Abstract

The purpose of this research article was to study the types of costumes of Surin-Khmer Yikay of the Yikay Ban Pang band in Chumsang Sub-district, Chom Phra District, Surin Province. The qualitative research approach was employed. Various data sources were explored. In addition, a field case study was conducted to collect in-depth data via interviews and observation records. The findings showed that the costumes of Yikay were classified into 4 patterns: the leading man pattern, the leading lady pattern, dancer pattern, and ensemble pattern whose accessories represented status, role, and characteristics of each character. The costumes were divided into three sets as follows. First, the head pieces or “Sirabhorn” consisted of the crowns for the leading characters, Krajang Na or the head piece for the dancers, and the masks for the ensemble in the giant and monkey roles. Second, the body pieces or “Pattrabhorn” consisted of clothes made of silk for male and female and straight-sleeved shirts. Last, the accessories or “Tanimpimpabhorn” consisted of Krongkor or neck pieces, Sangwal or cross-body jewel chains, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and long white socks. Yikay’s accessories reflected the reception of the influences from Thai musical folk drama or Likay and Khmer Yikay that Surin-Khmer Yikay bands adapted them to suit their community’s culture. Furthermore, the pattern of the costumes reflected intellectual clothing and accessory heritage of Northern Thai-Khmer’s culture.