Identity and aesthetics of Phi Boong Tao Masks influencing tourism development of Hi-Tak Village, Phu Ruea District, Loei Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) study the culture of Phi Boong Tao Masks of Hi-Tak Village, Phu Ruea District, Loei province and 2) study the identity and aesthetics influencing tourism development of Hi-Task Subdistrict, Phu Ruea District, Loei Province. The data was acquired from documentary research and field study using an interview, an observation, and a focus group conversation. The 17 informants were selected from local scholars, village headmen, youths, arts professors, community developers, and tourism officers. After that, the obtained data was analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study were : (1) The culture of Phi Boong Tao Masks was found in 3 aspects namely (1) the use of the Masks for decorating at the top of Tung to join the parade in a festival and being placed at the 4 corners of the Pavilion where the Buddha image was situated; (2) the use of the masks for wearing to join a parade in a festival and activities held for tourists to try wearing; and (3) the masks as souvenirs for tourists buying and taking home, and 2) the identity of Phi Boong Tao Masks is kind giant as a guardian to protect the community and the religion. For aesthetics, Phi Boong Tao Mask was a sense of content perception regarding how to solve the problems of products, and there was a connection leading to community traditions and tourism. For the conceptual pattern of Phi Boong Toa, it was composed from the principles of visual elements together with the image of giant so relatively and harmoniously that the beauty can be perceived.