Art and Cultural Communities in the Area Development of Phetchaburi Province: A Case Study of the Napansam Community

Abstract

              Napansam community in Phetchaburi province is an important community from the past. Wat Naprom is the center of cultural community. From the study we found many cultures that were grouped by 6 parts of cultural wisdom heritage concept: local literature and language (tale, legend, story); performing arts (barcarole, sing while paddling a boat on the land, cow dance, shadow play); social guidelines, rites, traditions, and festivals (religious traditions, rice planting rites, spirit houses, believes); knowledge and practice of nature and the universe (local food, desserts, local medical profession); traditional handicrafts (mural, architecture, traditional Thai houses, basketworks, tall narrow drums); and local plays, sports, and martial art (ox racing). With the cultural diversity of Wat Naprom as the center of the community, Wat Naprom is a valued place and a source of pride in community. Cultural mapping of the Napansam community was accomplished by collecting and promoting information of the cultural community, as cultural entrepreneurs of the community.