Music Icons, Allegories and Symbolic Representation : Iconological Analysis of Thai Murals Along the Mae Klong Riverside

Authors

• Traitrung Ploymong
• Poonpit Amatyaku
• Narongchai Pidokrajt
• Manus Keawbucha

Publication Date

2023

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.

DOI

10.1163/26659077-26010013

First Page

1

Last Page

22

Recommended Citation

Ploymong, Traitrung; Amatyaku, Poonpit; Pidokrajt, Narongchai; and Keawbucha, Manus (2023) "Music Icons, Allegories and Symbolic Representation : Iconological Analysis of Thai Murals Along the Mae Klong Riverside," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 26: No. 1, Article 11.
DOI: 10.1163/26659077-26010013
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol26/iss1/11