Mekong-Salween Civilization Studies Journal

"Mountain Buffalo": Cultural Images of the People and the Forest

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to study the cultural ecology of humans and nature in the western forest area of Thailand by analyzing photographs of Karen mountain buffalo herding in Ban Wung Kasang, Village No. 10, Pong Nam Ron Subdistrict, Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, through the framework of Roland Barthes’s concepts of “The Third Meaning”, “Rhetoric of the Image”, and Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts related to Cultural Capital and Habitus, by combining the image analysis unit and the socio-cultural analysis unit to cover both the dimensions of the photographs (symbols and meanings) and the social context (habitat and cultural capital). Karen mountain buffalo herding is a long-held culture, in which mountain buffaloes are not only pets but also symbols reflecting the deep relationship between humans and nature, playing an important role in the cultural ecosystem. The existence of mountain buffaloes and the community’s ways of life depend on natural resources such as Khlong Suan Mak and Huai Nam Khao, which are important water sources that help maintain the balance between humans, animals, and the environment in this area. Mountain buffalo herding is not just an economic activity, but also has complex symbolic meanings. This is consistent with Barthes’ concept of “The Third Meaning” and “Rhetoric of the Image”, which reflects the cultural dimensions and deep relationships that cannot be explained through direct description. The relationship between the community and the mountain buffaloes represents a cultural process that contains social meanings embedded in the Karen ways of life in terms of Bourdieu’s theory. The “cultural capital” of the Karen community is reflected in the raising of mountain buffaloes as a legacy passed down from ancestors, which is a habitat deeply rooted in the community’s ways of life and social practices. Raising buffaloes is a tool that connects people with nature and is an example of cultural capital that is produced and re-created through social processes and traditions that are important to the community. In addition, raising buffaloes is an important factor in controlling forest growth by making forest areas more open. This allows the growth of various plants, such as vegetables and mushrooms, that can be found in season, which supports the community economy and generates income. This reflects the profound cultural complexity and coexistence between humans and nature.

Kru Visanthat Ratanamongkolgasem and the Role of Master Craftsman in Traditional Lanna Musical Instrument

Punnakrid Thirasuthphathorn; Nachaya Natchanawakul, Anak Charanyananda — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article is part of the research titled “The Process of Making Phin Pia: A Case Study of Kru Visanthat Ratanamongkolgasem” and aimed to study the life history and works, as well as the distinctive characteristics of the construction of Phin Pia of Kru Visanthat Ratanamongkolgasem. This was a qualitative research study that gathered data through interviews and participant observations. From the study, it was found that Kru Visanthat was a skilled artist in Lanna woodcraft, recognized in the artisan community for his masterful craftsmanship. He was also known as “Kru Boy Lai Mueang” in the Lanna music community and was an exceptional maker of the Phin Pia musical instrument. The Phin Pia handle featured simple, elegant designs. Kru Visanthat’s Phin Pia had five characteristics: 1) The coconut shell was shaped like a monk’s alms bowl, which enhanced sound reflection and resulted in a more resonant tone; 2) He chose straight-grained Rosewood for the Phin body, which prevented cracking and improved sound vibration, while also being more resistant to the tension of the strings; 3) The materials used in construction were natural, such as lac, bamboo, and silk, which contributed to the sound quality and extended the instrument’s lifespan; 4) The top part of the Phin Pia body was decorated with a royal drum pattern, which further improved sound vibration; and 5) The tuning pegs were shaped like Champi flowers, with slender stems that allowed for finer tuning adjustments. Due to its simple design, attention to detail in construction, and distinctive proportions, Kru Visanthat’s Phin Pia had excellent sound quality and was highly sought after by musicians. Kru Visanthat was committed to Lanna traditions and held an annual ceremony to pay respects to teachers, including music teachers, craftsmen, and teachers from various disciplines that he revered.

Shan Food: Strategies in Naming and the Reflection of Shan Food Culture in Chiang Mai

Phannida Khanthaphad — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research investigated the naming strategies for Shan food and the reflection of the food culture of Shan people in Chiang Mai. From the 287 food names analyzed by using the concepts of cognitive semantics and anthropological linguistics, this research found that the Shan food names consisted of those with direct meanings and metaphorical meanings. The Shan food names with direct meanings when classified by the initial words of the food names, they reveal five structures as follows: 1) ingredient 2) food type 3)cooking method 4)food characteristic and 5)proper name. As for the metaphorical words, they can be classified into two forms: fully-metaphorical meanings and semi-metaphorical meanings. They mostly referred to humans, animals, natural materials, objects, and supernatural things. Concerning the reflection of the Shan food names, most of them contained the words /khao/ (rice), /thua/ (bean), and /phak/ (vegetable), reflecting that Shan food culture heavily relied on these three ingredients, as the main ingredients of their daily cuisine.

The Worldviews of Tai Lue in Ban Nayang Tai Nambak District, Luang Prabang Province, Laos: Perspectives from Tales, Legends, and Narrative Stories

Smai Wannaudorn; Chalermsuk Boodphuang , Phone Phengphanya, Phothong Sathamma — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research article titled “Worldviews of the Tai Lue in Ban Nayang Tai, Nambak District, Luang Prabang Province, Laos: Perspectives from Tales, Legends, and Narrative Stories” aims to explore the worldviews reflected in the tales, legends, and narrative stories of the Tai Lue people of Ban Nayang Tai, Nambak District, Luang Prabang Province in Laos. The data were collected from 30 stories, including 9 tales, 7 legends, and 14 narrative stories. These stories were gathered through fieldwork and documented records, translated into Thai, and analyzed using the concept of worldviews. The study identified five key aspects of the Tai Lue worldviews: beliefs, which include traditional beliefs, Buddhist beliefs, beliefs in superstitions and beliefs in bad omen; society and culture, which encompass views on marriage, good citizenship, community unity, and trade and exchange practices; values, which include merit-making practices to escape from hell, merit-making practices with animals to help individuals reach heaven, and gender equality between men and women; nature and the environment, highlighting the importance of forests as a food source, water sources as critical for settlement, and the reverence for animals that show a sense of gratitude; and lastly, the universe, which includes views on hell, heaven, the moon, and stars.

From Burmese Immigrants to Thai Citizens: Adaptation through Legal Status, Transnational Buddhism, and Hybrid Cultural Identity in Northern Thailand during the 1890s -1940s

Thanyarat Apiwong — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research examines and analyses the adaptation of Burmese immigrants in Thai society through political identity from the legal status of British subjects to becoming Thai citizens and cultural identity by bringing transnational Buddhism from Burma, creating a hybrid cultural identity within Northern Thailand (Siam) during the 1890s-1940s. This research employs a historical methodology, utilizing primary and secondary sources in Thai, English, and Burmese, such as archival materials, books, and articles that mentioned about Burmese immigrants who lived in Northern Thailand during that time. It also includes field observation and analysis of Buddhist artifacts that were influenced by Burmese arts within local monasteries across Northern Thailand. Those were patronized by wealthy Burmese teak merchants from diverse ethnic groups migrating from British Burma. It was found that Burmese immigrants who crossed the border to work and eventually settled in Northern Thailand adapted their political identity through legal status in order to receive the legal protection of the extraterritorial rights for the British Burmese subjects living in Thailand. After the extraterritorial rights were abrogated, those Burmese immigrants adapted to Thai legal system by applying for naturalization as a Thai citizen in order to obtain the rights of Thai citizenship. Also, it was social adaptation through cultural identity by utilizing transnational Buddhism from Burma to be hybridized with local culture. This facilitated the creation of a hybrid cultural identity to foster a sense of belonging within local community in Northern Thailand.

Cultural Dynamics of Street Food Consumption in Yaowarat among Consumers

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research focuses on the cultural dynamics of street food consumption in Yaowarat, known as Chinatown, by employing qualitative research methodology under the interpretative paradigm. By utilizing Grounded Theory Method, this study aims to understand the evolving culture of street food consumption in this area. Yaowarat is a historic district with a long history and a community primarily consisting of Chinese and Thai-Chinese residents. The consumption of street food here holds significant cultural and economic importance, attracting tourists and generating income for the community. The findings reveal that various factors, including economic conditions, social standards, and personal preferences, influence street food consumption in Yaowarat. Street food offers a convenient and affordable choice while serving as a medium for cultural participation and social exchange. The development of infrastructure, tourism promotion, and the adaptation of vendors and consumers drive the transformation of street food culture in Yaowarat. This study highlights the importance of understanding these cultural dynamics to develop and promote cultural tourism in Yaowarat. It provides insights into how to preserve the area's unique identity and heritage while adapting to contemporary social and economic changes.

Urban way of life in Myanmar Women Writers’ selected literary works

Wathanyoo Phakthong — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The selection of Ma Sandar’s 'Bawa Eai-met Pann Eai-met (Reality and Illusion)' and Nu Nu Yi (Innwa)’s 'Mya Sein Pyar Kamaryut (Emerald Green and Blue Kamaryut)' for the study of the urban way of life in Yangon through the framework of modern urbanism theory was based on their unique perspectives on private spaces and urban living. These works provide valuable insights into the portrayal of private spaces. Private spaces, such as apartment buildings, play a crucial role in facilitating interactions and relationships among the characters. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) has been rapidly developing the city by approving the construction of residential buildings in response to urban growth. Yangon is witnessing the emergence of numerous apartment buildings and condominiums, which are collectively shaping the iconic “city’s skyline” and altering the urban landscape. In contrast to the global trend in modern cities, Yangon does not support the unique cultural identities and personal freedoms of individuals, as evidenced by the restrictive regulations on cultural expression and limited personal freedoms as highlighted in Ma Sandar’s and Nu Nu Yi (Innwa)’s literary works. Despite being designed to promote individuality and separation, these spaces paradoxically diminish the characters' sense of self and individuality within their private sectors, creating a stark contrast to the intended purpose. Through their interactions and activities in private spaces, such as apartment buildings and condominiums, the characters actively negotiate and shape the modern city’s identity, applying old customs and influencing the development of the urban landscape. In Yangon, the private spaces of its residents’ exhibit traits such as communal gathering areas that align more closely with public spaces, creating a blend of private and old custom or rural pattern dynamics in urban planning, fostering a sense of rural community, and shared experiences among the residents.

The Artistic Expression of Manchu’s Shaman Culture in the Fishing and Hunting Activities of Chakan Lake

Weina Xu; Rasa Suntrayuth, Bunchoo Bunlikhitsiri — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The shaman culture in the fishing and hunting activities of Chakan Lake is expressed through artistic forms such as dance, music, and painting, reflecting the Manchu people's reverence and worship of nature. These art forms not only possess unique aesthetic value but also illustrate the deep connection between the Manchu people and the natural deities. In modern society, these artistic forms have been preserved and innovated, continuing to enhance the local cultural tradition. Research shows that the artistic forms of shaman culture have been revitalized in modern society through contemporary artistic techniques. This revitalization not only preserves the core elements of traditional culture but also promotes cultural diversity, becoming an essential channel for understanding and protecting cultural heritage.