Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Year: 2020
Volume: 15
Issue: 6
Page No. 1393 - 1401

Monuments: E-San Social and Culture Reflection

Authors : Sriphat Thesarin, Burin Plengdeesakul and Preechawute Abhirating

Abstract: This research aims to study the history of monuments in the Northeastern region, study the current state of monuments in the Northeastern region and study the social and culture reflection of E-San through monuments using a qualitative research process, document and field data collection by surveys, observation, interviews and group discussions. Data collection is processed for analysis using aesthetics theory, structural functionalism theory, cultural diffusion theory, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism theory. Study findings are presented in descriptive analysis with illustrations. Research results found that the history of monuments created by the concept of local E-San people themselves, not a government concept. It was first appeared in the year 1968, namely, Chaopho Si Nakhon Tao Monument at Ban Mueang Tao, Mueang Tao subdistrict, Phayakkhaphum Phisai district, Maha Sarakham province. From that time, the creation of monuments of important people has expanded throughout the Northeast and popularly created until now. It can be classified into 2 groups of persons that are created as monuments: historical persons legendary persons. The study found that the legendary group of persons is used to create monuments the most. Regarding current conditions of the monument, for the location aspects, it’s found that most of the monuments are located in the public area of the community such as the ancestral spirit forest (Don Pu Ta), located on the north side of the community facing the East. The layout of the monument comes in two types: an independent layout and a rectangular layout. The research found most of the monuments are rectangular layouts. For the shape of the monument, it looks similar to a person, showing gestures in both sitting and standing positions. Cement is preferably used as construction material as well as stone and brass. Construction techniques are usually fresh mortar molding techniques, stone carving and brass casting. For the E-San social and culture reflection aspects, the study found that the monument can reflect E-San society in the social collective memories. It can also represent power relations, conflict and contention in the management of monuments among people in the community and also plays a role in the sanctification of the rituals in the community, while helping to support the community agriculture cycle. In addition, it comes with a function to control the society and create social unity. For cultural reflection, people believe that monuments are sacred, a mental refuge and inspire fortune as desired. People also believe that a monument is the place where souls of the ancestral spirits is at. Therefore, there is an annual worship offering to express faith to the monument with both personal and community rituals. The monuments can therefore, reflect the E-San society and culture at some extents.

How to cite this article:

Sriphat Thesarin, Burin Plengdeesakul and Preechawute Abhirating, 2020. Monuments: E-San Social and Culture Reflection. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 15: 1393-1401.

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