55 research outputs found

    Community participation in the management of palm leaf manuscripts as Lanna cultural material in Thailand

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    Purpose The cultural heritage of the Lanna region of upper Northern Thailand is unique. One of its distinctive features is palm leaf manuscripts (PLMs), which are viewed simultaneously as examples of sacred writing and religious symbols, means of transferring cultural knowledge, artefacts of beauty and fragile historical documents. Local people still care about these objects, and speak the language but knowledge of the script is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of community members and experts about the value and management of PLMs as the basis for developing a model of community-based collection management. Design/methodology/approach Because the purpose was to explore differing perceptions and beliefs around PLMs the study adopted an interpretivist worldview. Data were collected through interviews with local people with an interest in PLMs and experts who advised on organising them. In addition, observation and a photo inventory method was used to collect data. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The results showed that while both groups saw the value of the knowledge PLMs contained, the community placed particular importance on the earning of “merit” through activities related to them as Buddhist objects. Experts gave particular emphasis to the knowledge of herbal medicine contained in the PLMs. The community valued indigenous storage and preservation practices. Experts were particularly pre-occupied with the intellectual property issue around medical knowledge and convenient storage and digitisation. Research limitations/implications Existing theory around libraries, archives and museums suggest some starting points for how community participation might be managed, but the unique circumstances of Lanna PLMs calls for a distinctive approach. Practical implications The paper identifies a pathway suitable to the Lanna context that can build on current local practices, to enhance community participation in the management of PLMs, including a consideration of the role of information professionals. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to extend thinking about participatory practices in the library, archive and museum literature to the context of Thailand and specifically to the case of PLMs, in the Lanna region. Rigorous data analysis of a substantial body of evidence has enhanced the understanding of the different types of value placed on PLMs. It identifies an important but not unbridgeable tension between how local people and experts view PLMs. It builds on previous library, archive and museum theory to propose a realistic model of how communities and experts (including librarians) can work together to protect the rich cultural resource represented by PLMs

    An exploration of the potential for collaborative management of palm leaf manuscripts as Lanna cultural material in northern Thailand

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    The cultural heritage of the Lanna region of upper northern Thailand is unique. One of its distinctive features is palm leaf manuscripts (“Khamphi Bailan”), which are viewed simultaneously as examples of sacred writing, means of transferring cultural knowledge, religious symbols, artefacts of beauty, products of a particular cultural tradition, and fragile historical documents. The aim of this study is to develop a model of community-based collection management for palm leaf manuscripts by exploring the views of community members and experts. Four models of community involvement provide possible guidelines for the management of these manuscripts. The first model is that of community-focused information services (Becvar & Srinivasan, 2009), taken from librarianship studies. The second and third are from archival science: participatory archiving (Shilton & Srinivasan, 2007) and community archiving (Flinn, 2007, 2010). The last model is that of indigenous curation (Kreps, 2005, 2008), which is influenced by the new museology. All of them are based on community engagement with cultural collections. The research method was interview-based and qualitative. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation and a photographic inventory (Collier & Collier, 1986) were used as the methods of data collection. The two groups of participants within the main study comprised 11 community members and 12 experts. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that the community members and experts had similar ideas about the knowledge contained in PLMs, seeing their value in terms of Buddhism, herbal medicine, history, language and literature, and academic study and research. However, certain emphases were different. For example, although both groups regarded the teaching of Buddhist concepts as the most important content of PLMs, community members had more belief in the value being primarily sacred; the manuscripts, to them, allowed the making of religious merit. Further, the results demonstrated that the two sets of participants held slightly different views about how PLMs should be managed. In this respect, the experts thought that custodians should be the owners of PLMs because it was they who were directly responsible for the manuscripts; community members, in contrast, felt that the community itself should be recognised as possessing ownership. In terms of the classification of PLMs, the community group held the opinion that manuscripts should be classified by age and value; the experts showed a preference for using the content of PLMs to separate them into subject categories. Moreover, the experts opted for practicality and appearance in accessible storage methods to keep PLMs, but the community wanted to see the manuscripts stored in traditional ways, with new designs created in order to display the PLMs to the public. With regard to PLM preservation, it emerged that community members wished to maintain traditional approaches, particularly in the way that PLMs were kept but also in community events and community involvement, for example through following religious traditions and producing copies of the manuscripts. The experts tended to focus more on knowledge preservation, employing such methods as digitisation and protection of intellectual property rights. All four prior models of community involvement considered in this study concern communities which possess a level of control over their archives. This is not entirely the case for PLMs as Lanna communities are unable to read their own ancient script and thus rely on experts who can. It is these experts who manage the manuscripts. Moreover, PLMs are not used in daily life due to their being ancient material. Therefore, communities often tend to be unaware of their PLMs. Therefore, none of the existing models can be applied exactly to PLMs. For example, Srinivasan is mostly concerned with orally-transmitted knowledge. Flinn (2007, 2010) concentrates on how people might gather material of their own choice, but in the Lanna case the monasteries already hold their collections. The model proposed by Kreps (2005, 2008) is the most relevant here, focusing as it does on how, within existing social practices, people might develop their own ways of collecting, preserving and displaying objects. Given, then, that these existing theories do not deal adequately with PLMs, it became necessary to develop a model suitable to the context. The model proposed in this study contains two stages, where the initial process involves preparing the community to participate in the management of PLMs by having knowledgeable local people or experts supply information and education. The subsequent process concerns the creation of a form of sustainable community engagement, one in which the concept of PLM ownership emerges within the community, thus enabling a community-based management of the manuscripts which allows the making of merit

    An exploration of the value of a collaborative model of collection management for Lanna cultral material in libraries in Northern Thailand

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    The Lanna region in Upper Northern Thailand has a distinct cultural heritage. Libraries have an important role to manage the collections of such cultural material. Yet following the management practices of developed countries may be inappropriate. Library and information professionals should encourage local people to participate in collection management to meet the needs of Lanna people and manage local knowledge. The aim of the study is to develop a model of community-based collection development model for Lanna cultural material. The objectives of the study are to better understand the nature of Lanna cultural knowledge; explore community beliefs about their culture; investigate information professionals’ expectations about how such material is best managed, and, on this basis, to develop guidelines for a collaborative model of collection development. This study adopts an interpretivist worldview within a critical paradigm to understand the world of Lanna culture and to explore storage, collection, access management, preservation and promotion of it in various libraries. The main approach is case studies underpinned by ethnography and field study.ye

    Research Conception of Palm Leaf Manuscript Conservation: Bibliometric Analysis of Scopus database

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    The most significant and reliable source for learning about the intellectual output of our predecessors is thought to be manuscripts. The bibliometric analysis is used in the study to conduct a social network analysis of the scientific literature on the conservation and preservation of palm leaf manuscripts. The objectives of the study are to identify the format of palm leaf conservation and preservation research publications, to identify which journals are the most fruitful, to identify the most prolific authors and authorship patterns in studies on palm leaf conservation and preservation, etc. "palm leaf manuscripts”, "palm leaf manuscript conservation”, and “conservation and preservation" were keywords that were used to search the documents. Biblioshiny package, an open-source Excel package was used to analyse and visualise the data in the study. Out of 101 research publications, the majority (84) of the research output has been published as journal articles. "Sciences and the global on methods, questions, and theory,"written by Sivasundaram S. in 2010, is one of the most globally cited articles in the field of palm leaf conservation and preservation. From 2002 to 2021, the top author in the field of palm leaf preservation and conservation is Draper J. from Thailand, who presented 3 papers and received the highest citation count of 1.67. India is the most productive country in Asia, with 45 publications of palm leaf manuscript conservation documents. The most relevant affiliation was the University of Khon Kaen in Thailand and the most cited country was the United Kingdom. The authors commonly used the word manuscript, digitization, Buddhism, and conservation. The study recommends that conducted from a broader perspective by covering other relevant databases and using other bibliometric software and packages. KEYWORDS: Bibliometric analysis, Biblioshiny, Conservation and Preservation, Palm leaf manuscripts, Scopus databas

    Thai Catalogers’ Use and Perception of Cataloging Standards

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    © 2019 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Library-based metadata and knowledge organization standards, such as Resource Description and Access (RDA); Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC); and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), are called “international” or “universal” as they are increasingly adopted by countries around the world. Yet, library knowledge organizations systems are created within given contexts representing the limited needs of specific communities in certain time periods. This article presents results from a cataloging study of Thai libraries. A focus group and interviews were used to gather data on Thai catalogers’ use and perception of cataloging standards in Thai libraries and how well they meet their needs

    A study of the inter-relationship of identity and urban heritage in Chiang Mai Old City, Thailand

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    The urban heritage identity of historical cities has received growing attention due to the weakening of their urban identity. For this reason, urban identity has been identified as a preliminary study of this research. Forty years ago, many researchers attempted to explain a broader understanding of urban heritage identity, which is relevant to human factors that affect urban, place, and built environment relationships. This involved the three interrelated concepts of identity: distinctiveness; urban heritage; and place attachment. These establish a balance between people and their identification with places. Urban heritage identity is associated a place's physicality and heritage attributes that reflect socio-cultural values. It can be concluded that urban heritage identity becomes significant through concepts of environmental psychology. Distinctiveness theory, as a part of identity theory, has been used in this study to describe the genuine perception of local participants and is a fundamental part of defining place identity. Furthermore, the definition of place attachment has been used to explain the relationship of distinct places on time of residence, frequency of use, emotional, physical, social, and activities. The study also explores Chiang Mai Old City’s built environment, which especially analyses the façade and streetscape characteristics that reflect the city's socio-cultural value. The research concludes with suggestions for preserving the city's urban heritage characteristics. Chiang Mai Old City has unprecedented diversity and cultural dynamics related to its intangible and tangible urban heritage. Moreover, the city is in the critical stage of being nominated as a new World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with the city's distinctiveness and place attachment being significant in supporting further heritage management strategies. The research mainly focuses on how local people interpret and understand the urban heritage identity of Chiang Mai Old City. This has been achieved through surveys of four hundred participants living in the Old City, two-way focus groups with five participants in each group, in-depth interviews with twenty-five participants, and ten architects drawing suggestions for further built environment management strategies. The results are described through seven aspects that explore the distinctiveness and place attachment theories of Chiang Mai Old City. The findings can be described in seven aspects: historical value; cultural activities; a particular character; landmark; identity; community; and everyday life. The results reveal that there are five distinct places in the city: Pra Singha Temple; Chedi Luang Temple; Three Kings monument square; Tha-Pare gate square; and Chiang Mai Old City's Moat. The results can also be used to develop an assessment indicator for defining the distinctiveness of other historic cities through the engagement of local people. The study repeatedly employs distinct places to describe in-place attachment theory. The results reveal positivity, emotion, and the spiritual anchor of place attached to local people in social engagement, explicitly divulging the rootedness of religion, culture, and community activities through the length of time. All five distinct places have an inseparable ability to display tangible heritage value and such a positive emotion to places is crucial in contributing to urban heritage characteristics. Moreover, the time or length of residency is a vital aspect to people’s perception of the city's distinctiveness; however, the value of the physical setting itself can increase the sense of belonging of newcomers.This research used a mixed methods approach in defining place identity process and socio-cultural values in distinctive streetscapes scenes in the city. This study strongly believes that the findings demonstrate that local people can help to develop the management of the city. The results presented suggest that the heritage value of streetscapes is related to historical attributes, natural objects, people, and cultural events in the scenes that explain the meanings ascribed to places associated with social and cultural values. The built environment characteristics and heritage value can be assumed from human experience. The study can be a new perspective for local authorities, urban designers, and heritage teams to determine whether projects will strengthen the existing urban heritage identity. Most importantly, this research has revealed new perspectives on urban heritage identity and practical study methods whilst also contributing to management strategies. In addition, continuing research into urban heritage identity will significantly improve knowledge development, practical support, and collaboration with local people and architects to establish and maintain cherished distinct places and living environments for urban residents

    <Literature, Film and Culture in Southeast Asia> Twelve Sisters: A Shared Heritage in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand

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    Edited by YAMAMOTO HiroyukiList of Contributors [v]Acknowledgements [ix]Introduction /YAMAMOTO Hiroyuki [x]1. Cultural Identity and Creative Tourism: The Folktale Nang Sip Song (Twelve Sisters) in the Global Contexts /Trisilpa BOONKHACHORN [1]2. From Folktale to Buddhist Tale: The Twelve Sisters in the Buddhist Tale, Paññāsajātaka in Thailand /Chanwit TUDKEAO [6]3. Shapes of Love in Lao Tradition: The Legend of the Twelve Sisters in Laos /Khamphuy PHOLLURXA [13]4. Being a Good Son is the Greatest Virtue: The Twelve Sisters in the Cambodian National Language Textbook /VAN Sovathana [26]5. Power of Tales: How Narrating Stories Instilled Hope to Survive during the Pol Pot Regime in Cambodia /PAL Vannarirak [33]6. Male Mountain, Female Mountain: Local Topography and Oral Tradition in Laos /HASHIMOTO Sayaka [36]7. Princess Kongrey's Last Wish: Cambodian Utopia in Ly Bun Yim's Puthisen Neang Kongrey /OKADA Tomoko [50]8. Comical Thevada and Feminine Ogre: Innovative Characters Reflecting Modern Thai /HIRAMATSU Hideki [68]9. The Blooming Season: Thai Short Film /Chalida UABUMRUNGJIT [74]10. Aspiring for the Next "Golden Age" /DOUNG Sarakpich [77]11. For the Development of Lao Film: Film Archives and Film Industry in Laos /Dethnakhone LUANGMOVIHANE [88]12. Boosting Passions for Making Stories: The Short Filmmaking Scene in Laos /Athidxay BOUANDAOHEUANG [95

    Potent Plants, Cool Hearts: a landscape of healing in Laos

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    This thesis maps a landscape of healing in southern lowland Laos, demonstrating how traditional medicine and health practices engage with and occur within the local environment, set against the wider socio-political landscape. Rural fieldwork conducted with traditional healers, villagers and health staff in Champasak province utilised methods from anthropology and ethnopharmacology, and included work within state institutions. In rural Laos, traditional medicine use is commonly a response to chronic illness, as part of complex trajectories of care. Its popularity is strongly influenced both by social and familial connections and trust in practitioners associated with their reputation and positive experiences of the therapeutic encounter. Good health necessitates strengthening the blood and body boundaries to prevent illness, and attention to the mental-emotional and spiritual state. Social wellbeing and networks of care are also integral to regaining health; this is enacted during the soul-calling ceremony, a popular ritual for wellbeing. Traditional medicine forms are heterogeneous and localised, operating primarily outside the formal healthcare context, without a prominent power hierarchy with biomedicine and state regulation. Concurrently, Lao medical practices and knowledge can be situated within intersecting and layered medical and religious landscapes of Southeast, East and South Asia. Characteristics of the Lao healers’ medicines include the collection of fresh plant materials in the wild, preparation methods such as grinding raw woody parts into water, the use of unique herbal formulae, blowing techniques and mantra. Whilst tacit knowledge of medicinal plants among rural people arises through social relations and correspondences between plant names and illness forms, the healers’ knowledge is transmitted in specific forms. In treating illness such as fever, healers formulate a complete treatment based on symptom patterns. To ensure potency, the healers follow the logic of phitsanu, which frames efficacy through sources of spiritual power based in local cosmologies, and draw on natural forces such as van plants and astrology. They must thus regulate their actions to protect themselves and their patients from harm

    A study of the inter-relationship of identity and urban heritage in Chiang Mai Old City, Thailand

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    The urban heritage identity of historical cities has received growing attention due to the weakening of their urban identity. For this reason, urban identity has been identified as a preliminary study of this research. Forty years ago, many researchers attempted to explain a broader understanding of urban heritage identity, which is relevant to human factors that affect urban, place, and built environment relationships. This involved the three interrelated concepts of identity: distinctiveness; urban heritage; and place attachment. These establish a balance between people and their identification with places. Urban heritage identity is associated a place's physicality and heritage attributes that reflect socio-cultural values. It can be concluded that urban heritage identity becomes significant through concepts of environmental psychology. Distinctiveness theory, as a part of identity theory, has been used in this study to describe the genuine perception of local participants and is a fundamental part of defining place identity. Furthermore, the definition of place attachment has been used to explain the relationship of distinct places on time of residence, frequency of use, emotional, physical, social, and activities. The study also explores Chiang Mai Old City’s built environment, which especially analyses the façade and streetscape characteristics that reflect the city's socio-cultural value. The research concludes with suggestions for preserving the city's urban heritage characteristics. Chiang Mai Old City has unprecedented diversity and cultural dynamics related to its intangible and tangible urban heritage. Moreover, the city is in the critical stage of being nominated as a new World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with the city's distinctiveness and place attachment being significant in supporting further heritage management strategies. The research mainly focuses on how local people interpret and understand the urban heritage identity of Chiang Mai Old City. This has been achieved through surveys of four hundred participants living in the Old City, two-way focus groups with five participants in each group, in-depth interviews with twenty-five participants, and ten architects drawing suggestions for further built environment management strategies. The results are described through seven aspects that explore the distinctiveness and place attachment theories of Chiang Mai Old City. The findings can be described in seven aspects: historical value; cultural activities; a particular character; landmark; identity; community; and everyday life. The results reveal that there are five distinct places in the city: Pra Singha Temple; Chedi Luang Temple; Three Kings monument square; Tha-Pare gate square; and Chiang Mai Old City's Moat. The results can also be used to develop an assessment indicator for defining the distinctiveness of other historic cities through the engagement of local people. The study repeatedly employs distinct places to describe in-place attachment theory. The results reveal positivity, emotion, and the spiritual anchor of place attached to local people in social engagement, explicitly divulging the rootedness of religion, culture, and community activities through the length of time. All five distinct places have an inseparable ability to display tangible heritage value and such a positive emotion to places is crucial in contributing to urban heritage characteristics. Moreover, the time or length of residency is a vital aspect to people’s perception of the city's distinctiveness; however, the value of the physical setting itself can increase the sense of belonging of newcomers.This research used a mixed methods approach in defining place identity process and socio-cultural values in distinctive streetscapes scenes in the city. This study strongly believes that the findings demonstrate that local people can help to develop the management of the city. The results presented suggest that the heritage value of streetscapes is related to historical attributes, natural objects, people, and cultural events in the scenes that explain the meanings ascribed to places associated with social and cultural values. The built environment characteristics and heritage value can be assumed from human experience. The study can be a new perspective for local authorities, urban designers, and heritage teams to determine whether projects will strengthen the existing urban heritage identity. Most importantly, this research has revealed new perspectives on urban heritage identity and practical study methods whilst also contributing to management strategies. In addition, continuing research into urban heritage identity will significantly improve knowledge development, practical support, and collaboration with local people and architects to establish and maintain cherished distinct places and living environments for urban residents
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