Reviving a legacy The museum is nestled in the compound of Wat Khlong Suwannakiri in Ratchaburi's Muang district. It exhibits artifacts donated and purchased by the committee that runs the museum that has Udom as its head. A retired Thai-language professor, he is also its founder. Evidence at the museum shows the Tai Yuan moved to Ratchaburi during the reign of King Rama I. "The word 'Chipatha' means miscellaneous and the museum was set up to remind the younger generation of our rich cultural heritage," said Udom who is 65 years old. "Unfortunately, very few of our traditions have stood the test of time. Except for a ceremony held before the start of Buddhist Lent, there is not much around to remind others of our heritage. During the ceremony, senior Tai Yuans donning traditional costume offer alms and prayers to the spirits of their ancestors. That's about all. I wanted to build a place that would enshrine our legacy," he explained. Udom first briefed us about the lineage of Tai Yuan people, an ethnic group that originally lived in northern Thailand at the height of the ancient Lanna kingdom. Farm-based, they lived in closely-knit communities. Their women had a talent for weaving and the men excelled at making carts and at basketry. On display are a host of farming utensils, a room dedicated to the lifestyle of Tai Yuan people and drawers full of woven silk and cotton clothing embroidered with beautiful patterns. He then pulled out a dusty grey silk fabric with golden patterns, saying it was 180 years old. In another room, woven Tai Yuan cotton tube-skirts, locally known as pha sin, were featured with distinctive design elements in bright colours. The teen jok (hem pieces), he added, were difficult to knit and only woven for special occasions. The design or pattern of pha sin and teen jok were indicative of the region where they were produced. Udom said the Hong, or mythical swan, was a common pattern and was also the symbol of Tai Yuan people. Men wore shirts with round collars dyed indigo or ebony. Another section featured the lifestyle of people presented through wax figures of monks, village folks and local officials. One figure portrayed a heavily pregnant woman going through labour pains and, according to Udom, the idea was to shed light on the role midwifery played in the old days. In another room a farmer was seen getting counselling from a monk, and a scene depicting a village meeting emphasising collective participation in decision-making or good governance. Also showcased are ancient artifacts excavated in the province. The oldest is a head of Buddha 1,400 years old. "Unearthed in Khu Bua, it wass donated to us after excavators failed to get a decent price for the artifact," said Udom. Meanwhile, he is trying to recruit young Tai Yuan hands to show visitors around the museum. |