Mon’s Dance of Banphraphloeng Pakthongchai District Nakhonratchasima Province

Abstract

This research aimed at analyzing forms and structures of performances, and studying factors for conserving, promoting, developing, and disseminating Mon’s Dance of Phraphloeng Pakthongchai District  Nakhonratchasima Province. This qualitative research collected data from documents, academic works, interviews, observations, and joining a training on the dances. Data were analyzed by using theories on cultures.  The results were presented in an analytical descriptive method. The study results revealed that there were 2 types of Mon’s Dance of Phraphloeng  Pakthongchai District  Nakhonratchasima Province: 1) Mon dances in ceremonies, and 2) Mon’s dances in festivals. There were 5 factors in Mon’s dances: 1) performers and musicians 2) 2 types of dresses: 2.1 Chong Kraben(wearing a long piece of cloth by tying the upper ends around the waist and the other ends were twisted together, pulled between the legs, and tucked it in the back of the waist); 2.2 men wearing satiny short-sleeve shirts, Chong Kraben, and tying a piece of cloth around their waists and heads while women wearing  Ta-beng-man (a piece of cloth wearing across their breasts coving both of them and tying the ends at the back of their necks), and Chong Kraben, and hair tying up at the back of the head, and wearing no accessories; 3) the musical instrumentsused in the performances consisted of Thon, Pi Mon (a large double-reed oboe with detachable metal bell) , Ching (a pair of small, thick cymbals joined by a cord), Chap (a pair of flat cymbals joined by a cord), and Krap (a pair of hardwood stick); 4) occasions of performances which were  4.1 to pay respect and ask for forgiveness from Luang Poo Chim or spirits of family’s ancestors whose members were Mons, 4.2 on annual festivals such as Loy Krathong, Muang Pak Silk Fair, ThaoSuranaree’s Victory Ceremony; and 5)places of performance: there were 2 types – on the ceremony grounds, and on the stage set up for each festival. As for the factors for conserving, disseminating,and promoting Mon’s Dance of Phraphloeng Pakthongchai District Nakhonratchasima Province is the first factor. 2. Factors in the community. 3. Factors in community education. 4. State Policy Factors.