Song Ku Ban Khwao and Becoming to the Inventive Traditions in the Decade from 1992 to 2021

Abstract

This article would like to explain the change in Song Ku tradition at Ban Khwao, Khwao Sub-district, Muang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The researchers use an oral history study method by interviewing and studying related research papers. The results of the study reveal that over the past 86 years (1935-2021), the Song Ku Ban Khwao tradition has transformed in line with economic and social metamorphosis that is before 1935, the Song Ku Ban Khwao tradition originated mainly from the cooperation of the local community, and the event was held in nearby the village. There were the Buddha statues perfumed and festive activities organized by the villagers, such as boxing, dancing, and singing (Molum). During the latter part of 1935-1992, the Fine Arts Department has announced the registration and excavation of the Ku Ban Khwao archaeological site as defining the area of the ancient monument. After excavated, it was not allowed villagers to invade. In addition, from 1992 to 2021 the government had come to play a role in organizing the Song Ku tradition in the form of inventing traditions to promote tourism. It was found that the community had lost its role and importance. At the same time, the bureaucratic government had regained its role and had the power to organize the Song Ku event in its entirety. The new body of knowledge is spectacle occurring in Song Ku Ban Khwao festival can be used as a text to understand the change in the Song Ku tradition in other areas of the Isan region. Especially, the government has come to supervise resulting in new activities or traditions called artificial traditions in order to promote tourism and gain income to community.