Participation in Learning the Story of the Elephant King and Nang Phom Hom (The Fragrant-Haired Lady) Through Painting Creation by the Nong Bua Community, Phu Luang District, Loei Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the story of the King of Elephants and Nang Phom Hom in Phu Luang District, Loei Province, and 2) investigate the participation of the Nong Bua community in using the story of the King of Elephants and Nang Phom Hom to create paintings in Phu Luang District, Loei Province. A mixed-methods research approach was employed. The study’s target group consisted of 45 informants, including local scholars, sub-district cultural experts, art scholars, community tourism management groups, as well as children and youth. Data collection tools included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, meetings, satisfaction assessment forms for colouring pictures, and participation assessment forms related to the story of the Elephant King and Nang Phom Hom. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations.

The study found that: 1) the story of the Elephant King and Nang Phom Hom is a moral tale that teaches values such as gratitude. Villagers believe that "the spirits of the Elephant King and Nang Phom Hom still reside in the community," which led them to build a shrine for worship and hold an annual festival. 2) Participation in using the story of the Elephant King and Nang Phom Hom to create paintings involves the following steps: (1) Exchanging knowledge about the story of the Elephant King and Nang Phom Hom, along with the concepts of drawing and painting; (2) Planning for learning and creativity; (3) Engaging in creative activities; (4) Critiquing; (5) Evaluating satisfaction with creativity. Overall, the evaluation of satisfaction with creativity was found to be at the highest level (= 4.71). Additionally, (6) the evaluation of participation in the creative use of the story was also at the highest level (= 4.64).