Building Representation of Northern Lords in Northern Region National Museums: Hegemony and Contemporary Memory

การประกอบสร้างภาพตัวแทน "เจ้าเมืองเหนือ" ในพิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติในเขตภาคเหนือ: อำนาจนำและความทรงจำร่วมสมัย

Abstract

This qualitative research studies the process of building the representation of northern lords (Chao Mueang Nuea) in exhibition areas of northern region national museums as well as the negotiation and diminishing aspect of related history in gallery content. Data are collected through documentary study and field surveys, with non-participant observation, at three institutions: Chiang Mai, Hariphunchai, and Nan National Museums. Data are analyzed using Antonio Gramsci’s conceptual framework of cultural hegemony and Stuart Hall's theory of representation.

Results:

1. Northern region national museums function as state cultural mechanisms by reproducing national ideology in building northern lord representations with traits of loyal allies and culturally venerable persons. Underscoring a good rapport with the Siamese court and support of Buddhism legitimizes centralized power and the evolving modern nation state.
2. This display muted the historical feature of local politics, especially power negotiation dynamics, Thesaphiban administrative reform conflicts, and response to loss of original status. Thus, northern lords declined in status from political players to cultural symbols beholden to the central power structure.