Jong Dance: A Case Study at Tharong Subdistrict, Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

This article is part of a thesis titled “Jong Dance, Tharong Subdistrict,Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province,” with the aim of studying the history of the Jong Dance in Tharong Subdistrict, Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province,as well as the form of the Jong Dance posture and components in Tharong Subdistrict, Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province. The focus of this qualitative research
methodology was mostly on field data. The study’s techniques included interview forms and data gathering from a sample group of elders in the local communities.

The study’s results are as follows:
Jong Dancing has been practiced since Ayutthaya’s period. During that time,the residents of Wichian Buri frequently traded with the people of Ayutthaya. As a result, Ramwong’s music culture has been received, including drum tones, gongs, and dancing postures. Later on new dance postures have been adapted by local wisdom and applied to daily life. The dance process has the identity of Jong Dance with simple repetitive dance moves, having only one dance posture. There are no lyrics in the Jong Dancing song. The dance imitates the natural daily life activities, that is, cow herding, pursuing the cows, and the stepping. Formerly, only the elders in the community inherited the Jong Dancing. The Jong Dancing used to reflect the abundant way of life of an agricultural society.