The role of the Phu Tai dance drama in the presentation of the image of Praewa cloth in the Thai nation-state culture: A case study of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother

Abstract

          The objective of this article is to study and explain the role of the Phu Tai dance drama in presenting the image of Praewa cloth in the Thai nation-state culture, using Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother as a case study. Since being established as Queen of the Chakri Dynasty during the reign of King Rama IX, Her Majesty had various royal duties. Her Highness played an important role in supporting and promoting traditional Thai crafts, especially textile products, indigenous fabrics and performance art works of the Phu Tai ethnic group in the Northeastern region. Praewa silk, a fabric of the Phu Tai ethnic group, particularly became one of the most important cultural products for Her Majesty. Queen Sirikit’s vision recognized the value of art, which led to the promotion, application and integration of cultural values ​​into a usable capital that could create economic value within society. In response to Her Majesty's wishes, the performing arts of the Phu Tai ethnic group were developed as a tool to promote cultural products and local textiles in the dimension of creative cultural capital. The presentation of Phu Tai ethnic identity through drama and textiles led to the group becoming known on the world stage and resulted in the creation of various performance sets in the region and, later, the country. In addition, the drama of the Phu Thai ethnic group plays an important role in serving the monarchy and the royal family. As shown in pictures of Phu Tai offerings on various important occasions, the Phu Tai drama is promoted as artistic works of the Thai nation state. They are tools to create value, security, cultural wealth and dynamics that effectively and efficiently drive the cultural image of the locality. They can strengthen and expand the economic foundation of the Phu Tai ethnic group, leading to the development of sustainable cultural products under a unique identity. The consequence has been the increased profile of Praewa cloth, other various local textile products and the performing arts of the Phu Tai people. It also indicates that the intangible cultural heritage of the Phu Tai people is unique from that of other ethnic cultural groups in the country.