Abstract:
Nagatan is an component of the roofs of traditional buildings. It is a carving with the shape of Naga or the upside down serpent inside the triangular structure. Its duty is to bear the load of eaves on a pillar or wall similarly to an armrest or crutch used in the central part of Thailand. It is also a decoration of temples. Its patterns can represent the craftsmanships in different periods. It can also indicate construction and renovation times. This research study focuses on the Lanna temples found in Lampang Province that were built by 26th Buddhist Era. It was found that the popularity and influences of the patterns of the old version of Nagatan were relevant to the influences of the Chinese arts, the Sukhothai arts and the original Lanna arts. After the Kingdom of Siam was found, the Chinese influences on the Lanna craftsmen were replaced by the Siamese influences since there were the patterns of both Rattanakosin arts and original Lanna arts. During the late 24th Buddhist Era the mid 25th Buddhist Era, the Rattanakosin influences were very obvious. Consequently, the importance of the original influences and patterns of the Lanna arts was reduced. Then, the unique patterns were created in the late 25th Buddhist Era under the influences of the Chinese arts, Burmese arts, Rattanakosin arts and original Lanna arts. The patterns were mixed with the new styles of the local craftsmen without refering to the original concepts and customs. For example, Luang Len Fon or Luang Lhen Fah were the top animal with the seven unique characteristics and the ideal animal at the heaven