Music and way of life of Isan people through murals in Isan

Abstract

The objective of the study on music and way of life of the Isan people through the murals in Isan was to study the importance of music and the way of life of Isan people through the murals in the Isan region. The research instruments were observation form, and interview form, as well as data collected through documents and field study. Observations and interviews were conducted with four knowledgeable people. Data collected were analyzed for validation using triangulation method according to the stated objectives and present the article by analytical description. The results reveal that mural’s role is for recording various characteristics including dressing for both natives and foreigners, life styles, making a living, farming, and stories of people in the community, as well as telling stories related to Buddhism, traditions of merit and culture, way of life of the local people in fun ways, e.g., Sukhwan Tradition, Longkhuang Tradition,  and  Mor-Lam Mor-Khan Shows.  All of which were transmitted on the wall murals that were unique in both colors and patterns based on reality, which are unique characteristics that appear on the murals. Isan way of life that appears on the murals always associate with the role of music. These stories illustrated reflect the nature of music in particular traditions, namely,  ordination ceremony, Kathin ceremony, housewarming, New Year's celebration, Rocket festival, Songkran Festival, or even spirit worship using music for healing purposes. This leads to the understanding that If we look at those murals, we will be able to relive the past to the stories and music played in the way of life of the people that era.