The Remain in Tai (Dam) Traditional Thought of Wisdom to Build the Present House

Abstract

The construction of dwellings among various ethnic groups has consistently undergone changes influenced by multiple factors, including governance, cultural adaptation, and technological advancements. The study on "The Remain in Tai (Dam) Traditional Thought of Wisdom to Build the Present House" aimed to investigate distinctive architectural patterns, both internally and externally, belief systems, and the utilization of spaces linked to spiritual beliefs aligned with the way of life and current culture of the Thai Dam ethnic group in Thailand, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Physical surveys and interviews with homeowners were conducted. The study revealed that the Thai Dam ethnic group maintained ancient lifestyles and beliefs regarding ancestral spirits and various ghostly entities as the mainstay of dwelling construction wisdom. However, temporal changes necessitated "adaptations" to fit the new societal environment, including changes in governance patterns, social conditions, technology, materials, and climate, resulting in diverse forms of dwelling construction that reflect contemporary adaptations, such as the transformation of building materials from wood to reinforced concrete and the reorganization of interior spaces into more clearly defined zones to enhance privacy while still preserving the ancestral spirits of various ghostly entities to protect and maintain the lineage for future generations. This contributes to the sustainability of dwelling construction wisdom among the Thai Dam ethnic group.