CULTURE & ARTS
Thailand's classical arts have developed almost exclusively (and anonymously) in the service of Theravada Buddhism. Accordingly, the best showcase is the wat, where traditional architecture, typified by sweeping, multitiered roofs, countless Buddha images and murals, decorative arts, such as woodcarving, stucco relief, gilt, lacquer, colored glass mosaic, and mother-of-pearl inlay, are all used to striking effect. The literary tradition of Thailand is confined mostly to classic tales, the most important of which is the Ramakien, an ancient moral epic with its origins in the Indian Ramayana. Such sagas provided the narrative content for the once-thriving performing arts, best preserved today in highly stylized classical dance-drama called khon and lakhon. Thailand's most notable literary figure is the 19th century poet Sunthorn Phu.
Avant-garde and neo-traditionalist painting is booming, while the film industry thrives on a diet of comedies, thrillers, and period dramas. One very popular novel, The Four Reigns (1953), was written by former Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj. A few films, such as Luk Isan (1978), set in the Northeast, and a number of books tackle social issues.
On the sports front, Thailand's world-renowned, uniqe style of kick boxing draws big crowds, while other traditional pastimes range from takraw, a game not unlike volleyball, but using the feet, to kite-flying. Numerous colorful festivals, many linked to both Buddhism and the changing seasons, are celebrated with exuberance. Whatever the activity, Thais believe that can be found in all things, from eating – something for which Thais have a passion – to simply going for a stroll with friends.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Ornate Akha headdresses feature silver coins and hollow baubles that are expertly crafted by the men of the hill tribe.
Animal figures, intricately carved from wood (in many cases teak), often feature in Northern wats. Such wooden crafts are sill produced throughout the North, despite the ban on unregulated teak logging.
Northern lacquerwork typically consists of a red lacquer-coated wood or bamboo base decorated with a yellow pattern. This is a 19 th -20 th century box.
Umbrellas are the main craft items produced in Bo Sang. They are made of lacquered paper, stretched over a bamboo frame, then painted with traditional motifs such as elephants.
Betel Sets consists of several containers used to hold the ingredients for betel-chewing (a popular activity in Southeast Asia )—betel leaf, lime-stone ash, and the narcotic areca palm fruit. A gold set was a sign of status.
Wooden roof brackets, seen on religious buildings, are for decoration rather than support. They often depict nagas (serpents) and other animals.
Silver Ceremonial Jewelry is worn for village festivals and other important occasions. While hill tribes still use old silver, melted down from Indian and Burmese coins, many Thai silversmiths in Chiang Mai nowadays rely on imported silver of a lower quality.
In Thailand even everyday items are decorated, such as wooden clapper, which is painted with a flower motif. A clapper is traditionally worn by water buffalo so they can be located if they stray.
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