Elements of the Cultural Landscape of the Rock Salt Making Area at Bo Kathin, Mueang Phia Sub-district, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

      The objectives of this research were 1) to study the process of rock salt making, salt making area at Bo Kathin, Mueang Phia Sub-district, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province, 2) to study and summarize the elements of the cultural landscape from rock salt making of salt making area at Bo Kathin, Mueang Phia Sub-district, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province, 3) to put forward the conservation way of the elements of the cultural landscape of rock salt making of salt making area at Bo Kathin and develop into a learning center for the intellect and culture of rock salt making. The research results showed that rock salt making area at Bo Kathin, Mueang Phia Sub-district, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province, had 11 elements of the cultural landscape of rock salt making area: 1) Non Chaopu Fa Ra-ngum, 2) Don Pu Ta Ban Bo Kathin, 3) natural water source, 4) grove wood, 5) hole or pool, 6) firewood pile, 7) shed and salt boiling shed, 8) salt groove, 9) alkaline soil pile, 10) pit scraps pile, 11) salt drying basket. The researcher foresees 3 potentials and opportunities in conservation and development: 1) promoting to be a local historical and cultural learning center related to local rock salt making intellect, 2) conserving some important elements of cultural landscape in order to maintain the identity from not being destroyed and affecting the ecosystem, 3) putting historical stories and process of rock salt making as a lesson in the local curriculum or in relevant courses.