Music Icons, Allegories and Symbolic Representation: Iconological Analysis of Thai Murals Along the Mae Klong Riverside
Issued Date
2023-04-21
Resource Type
ISSN
08599920
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85188717924
Journal Title
Manusya
Volume
26
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Manusya Vol.26 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Ploymong T., Amatyaku P., Pidokrajt N., Keawbucha M. Music Icons, Allegories and Symbolic Representation: Iconological Analysis of Thai Murals Along the Mae Klong Riverside. Manusya Vol.26 (2023). doi:10.1163/26659077-26010013 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/97802
Title
Music Icons, Allegories and Symbolic Representation: Iconological Analysis of Thai Murals Along the Mae Klong Riverside
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Abstract
This article examines the Thai music iconology – with a focus on the instruments and ensembles and their symbolic representations – of monastery murals along the Mae Klong riverside. It also investigates how Thai music iconology links to broader views on Thai music, including those from Buddhism, culture, and social realms. Thirty-eight murals from the Ayutthaya period to the King Rama V period were selected for analysis. Improvised tools from Kress and Van Leeuwen’s (2020) inter-semiotic, multidimensional approach and Panosfky’s (1962) concepts of iconography were employed in the data analysis. Additionally, an in-depth interview was conducted with key informants, including local intellectuals and experts in the related areas, for data triangulation. The findings show significant influence of music on Thai social forms, religious beliefs, as well as cultural and historical values.