Abstract:
This research aims to study the background and role of the Thao Vessuvan in order to analyze the roles and forms of the Thao Vessuvan in Thai socio-cultural life from past till present and synthesize current status of the Thao Vessuvan roles appeared in Thai socio-cultural life. The cultural concept of Fine Arts department is used in qualitative research methods by investigation information from documentation and field study conducted in data sources with clear evidence on the Thao Vessuvan roles and forms. Study results suggest that the Thao Vessuvan has played important roles in Thai socioculture life since early days of Kingdom of Thailand to date, whether at royal level and general public. There are 3 roles of the Thao Vessuvan including keeper of the world, protecting against all dangers, a god of prosperity, providing wealth and fortune and guardian of Buddhism and Buddhist monastery, preventing evil intrusion into Buddhist monastery or harm to Buddhists. All three roles of the Thao Vessuvan are rooted in Thai socio-culture life with adaptation to current lifestyle in society. As seen from his role as guardian of Buddhism and Buddhist monastery, big statues in standing position enshrined in both sides of Buddhist temple entrance are generally built in formal and deviant appearance, according to creators. The Thao Vessuvan roles, keeper of the world and god of prosperity, are mostly crafted as sacred objects in convenient-to-carry forms and sizes. Most forms of sacred objects that were discovered include small casted sculpture floating in standing or sitting posture, Thao Vessuvan medallion and Thao Vessuvan talisman. In respect of worship, practices found to be in accordance with peoples beliefs in the Thao Vessuvan. An image of Thao Vessuvanstatue should consider suitability of role and conventional form in order to achieve persistence of the Thao Vessuvan role, which is important and benefit Thai socio-culture life