Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the history of Thai musical instrument carving of Talad Pinkaew Village in Ayuthaya province. It also studies the lifestyles of carving artists, and the distinctive styles of their carvings. The research findings show that at present there are eight families that make their living as professional carving artists in this village. Serving as the important context of Thai music culture, they are highly regarded nationwide by Thai musicians. Master Pim Kerdsong (1941-2010) was the first carving artist who introduced carving Thai musical instruments to this village and began to teach wood carving to his brother and other village members since 1963. The artists passed down their knowledge within their families and they also accepted non-family members to study Thai carving techniques. Seven kinds of Thai musical instruments are found to be designed and decorated with traditional carvings. Kong mon is the most popular instrument. Eleven traditional carving patterns are used in Kong mon carvings. The analysis of ornamental patterns decorating Kong mon shows that Lai Prajamyam and Lai Kanok are the fundamental patterns for the carvings of Thai musical instruments since they are the prerequisite basic patterns for advanced patterns to be built upon and further developed. In order to complete Lai Prajamyam, six steps are required: wood preparation, tool preparation, chiseling, decorating petals, decorating pollens, sharpening and ornamental treatment. Lai Kanok requires nine steps to complete: wood preparation, tool preparation, outlining, Kanok relief carving, whittling Kanok Plaew, carving tail of Kanok, carving head of Kanok, carving the inner part of Kanok Body, finishing layers of Kanok patterns. The analysis of Lai Prajamyam And Lai Kanok reveals that the distinct characteristics of Talad Pinkaew village carving are laid in four elements: (1) delicate and gentle patterns; (2) patterns with sharp edging; (3) clear images inlaid in each pattern with fine details; (4) proportion of the instruments designed with ergonomic concerns. When the carving artist applies the traditional patterns to decorate the instruments, proportions of the instruments are calculated carefully in order to promote ergonomics dimension of the instrument. With above quality and aesthetic values, owners are proud of their set of instruments.