The Study and Inheritance of Thai Percussion Instrument Craftsmanship Wisdom

Abstract

The Purpose of this research is to study and collect the knowledge of local Thai musical instrument craftsman. Presenting the result of synthetic and analysis of knowledge of Thai percussion  instrument craftsman , then complying and publishing according to the intended purposes as 1) to study and survey the information of Thai percussion instrument craftsman in the central region systemically 2) to synthesize the knowledge of Thai percussion instrument production from  the local craftsman in  the central region 3) to disseminate  the knowledge of Thai musical instrument craftsman to society for the further development of Economic and Social Knowledge.

The result of research found that there are Thai percussion instrument craftsman (Ranad Ek, Khong Wong Yai, Taphon Thai) in many provinces such as Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Phetchabun, Nakhon Nayok, Ang Thong and Samut Sakhon etc. Most of the operations of Thai musical instrument craftsman are family businesses and they have inherited knowledge of Thai musical instrument production and management from generation to generation. Some of them have a tendency to continue to exist in the future but some of them have the opposite tendency due to changing economic and social conditions and take the career of Thai musical instruments craftsman as a side job only. Factors of success in the career of Thai musical instrument craftsman of each technician from this research are skillful knowledge, proficiency in production process and unique identity. The craftsmen place great importance on the patterns used as templates for creating musical instruments that have been passed down through generations. Some have developed unique patterns for making instruments, which have gained recognition among Thai musicians. The knowledge of each craftsman in producing Thai musical instruments is valuable for preservation and continuation. Therefore, research work has been extended to the community through projects that allow Thai music students and interested individuals to practice making percussion instruments. This aims to raise awareness of the importance of wisdom in producing Thai musical instruments and the profession of musical instrument craftsmanship in the future, ensuring the continuation of this traditional craft.