A life-long passion of Wat Sutharam's deputy abbot, a self-taught maker of Phra Pirap masks
Traditional mask-making is a life-long passion of Phra Khru Sangharak Siripong, deputy abbot of Wat Sutharam temple. His main interest is Phra Pirap, a deity worshipped by Thai classical musicians and dancers, and other masks of music teachers, which are known as srisa khru or teachers' heads, including the Rishi Bharotmuni, a prime teacher of dramatic arts.
The 53-year-old monk, who runs an exhibition on Phra Pirap at the Princess Sirindhorn Music Library in the Thewet area, said his passion began even before he entered the College of Dramatic Arts as a music student. He would stroll through the National Museum and the nearby college which houses the Office of Drama and Arts, browsing the shelves in his leisure time.
At 16, his teacher sent him to the house of a famous mask maker in the Ban Bat area. Since the products of the mask master, Chit Kaewduangyai, were much sought-after, his mission was to ensure that his teacher's order could be delivered in time.
There the young Siripong watched the mask-making process with interest. From a weekly visit, he turned up at the master's house every day.
After a while, he tried making masks himself.
``I am self-taught. I never registered with any mask-making schools,'' he said. When he entered monkhood at Wat Sutharam he turned his hobby into something more serious.
In 1986, he opened a training school for mask-making at the temple, which is located on Taksin road. He taught young novices to make the items. Thanks to his efforts, the temple has become a well-known place for worshippers and members of the public who seek knowledge about Phra Pirap.
The exhibition, which runs until Oct 31, was another milestone for the monk.
The event, held to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 50th birthday this year, is a showcase of his masterpieces, the largest Phra Pirap mask, measuring two metres high, and the tiniest Phra Pirap miniature, which is as small as a fingertip.
There are also regular Phra Pirap masks, adorned with different materials including grounded sandalwood, which come in several colours, sizes, and styles.
Phra Siripong said he wants to correct public understanding about this Hindu deity.
``Most people mistake the deity for a demon character, which bears the same name and close resemblance in Ramakien, the Thai version of India's Ramayana epic. But they are not the same,'' he said.
The character in the Ramayana is a demon called Virath in Hindi, who was cursed by the Lord Shiva, while the revered deity is the reincarnation of Shiva, named Bhairava.
Bhairava is respected by dancers and arts performers in Nepal, Tibet and the northern part of India. He is known in Nepalese as ``Bhairab.''
According to Indian mythology, Bhairava, which means ``terrifying,'' is a protector god who is known for his strength and destructive power that can ward off illness and evil.
The mask is, therefore, separate. The item that represents the deity is only for worshipping in wai khru _ the ceremony to pay homage to teachers. Khon mask dancers will use the headgear that is made specially for performance.
The belief of the deity's superstitious power is common in Thailand.
Those with strong belief come to the temple to place an order. ``We accept limited orders because it is so hard to make them.'' With poor health and busy schedule, he leaves most of the mask-making to his layman students.
``The number of students is limited too. The art of mask-making is not for any student. It is a demanding task which requires love and attentiveness,'' the monk said.
The exhibition is an opportunity for his students to show their works and craftsmanship.
``I don't have a degree or a certificate to give them. This event is to certify their success in study,'' he said.
His two students are on standby at the exhibition to demonstrate the mask-making process for those interested. Demonstrations are held every Tuesday and Saturday, starting from 10am.
The overwhelming public response surprised the monk and library staff.
Poonpon Arunrakthaworn, chief of the music library, said a huge crowd throngs the exhibition each day. Most are students.
``Phra Siripong's works differ from other masters. They are attractive for their liveliness,'' she said.
The exhibition gave the public a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of ancient Phra Pirap masks that have never been shown in public before. The items, some dating back to the early Rattanakosin era, are mostly in the hands of private collectors who inherited them from their ancestors.
Bangkok Post 24 July 2005 www.bangkokpost.com
