Developing Nora Costumes Based on Local Wisdoms in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the history of Nora costumes and their components and 2) re-design the costumes and their components to meet the present local requirements and better suit the current performing circumstances. The key informants were academics, experts, professional artists in the districts of Thung Song, Huasai, and Muang in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and students from the Performing Arts Program, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University. The research instruments were structured in-depth interviews, participant observation, Nora experts’ critiques and questionnaires. The data revealed that since the early Rattanakosin era to the reign of King Rama V, three types of Nora costumes were found namely, Khruangton, Song Bua and Khruang Lukpat Ha Chin or Khruang Tem. The components of the costumes in each types were similar in which it comprised of Soet, Phan Khrong, two pieces of Khlum Lai, Pit Kho-front and back-Thapsuang, Pik or Hanghongม Sangwan, Pikanok-aen, Panneng, Hoi Na, Hoi Khang, Sanapphlao, Pha Yao, Kamlai Ton Khaen, Kamlai Plai Khaen, Kamlai Khomue, and Lep. The study also revealed that the new costumes were re-created based on the Khruangton by adding Inthanu on both sides of the shoulders; the style of costume from Thai Classical Drama and using various types of colorful beads. This newly created costume is anticipated to be the forth types of Nora costume. The results from the questionnaire which examined the audiences’ satisfaction about patterns, components, color, appropriateness, and worth conservation of the costume design showed that all factors were ranked at highest level (Mean= 4.5). The results of this study could be used not solely as a guideline to conserve and publicize traditional local wisdoms but also to encourage local artists to earn income from making costumes that suit the present Nora performances and as souvenirs.