THE SYMBOLIC IDEOLOGY ON FABRIC OF PHU THAI BAAN SING SA-AT, SAHATSAKHAN DISTRICT, KALASIN PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to study the symbolic ideology on the fabric of Phu Thai ethnic group in Baan Sing Sa-at, Sahatsakhan District, Kalasin Province. The data was collected by conducting fieldwork in local community and employing a focus group discussion on the Weaving Community of Baan Sing Sa-at Damrongtham District Justice Provision Center in Sahatsakhan District, Kalasin Province. The results showed that the symbols found on Phu Thai fabric were in natural and geometric shapes representing auspiciousness. The symbols could be classified into 4 main patterns, including 1) the floral patterns inspired by plants symbolizing love, freshness, prosperity, and worship, 2) the appliance patterns inspired by common appliances symbolizing prosperity, 3) the star patterns inspired by stars on the sky symbolizing prosperity, power, progress, and intelligence, and 4) the animal patterns inspired by local animals symbolizing reverence, veneration, holiness. The patterns were not only created by preserving traditional ideology but also by developing contemporary patterns. (e.g., dinosaur patterns derived from recently unearthed animal characteristics unknown to the Phu Thai ethnic group). In addition, the aesthetics of the developed patterns were influenced by the ideology and popularity of the community.