A Study of the Creative Process of Mr. Panupong Kamfun’s Muay Thai Banana Rope Dolls: Cultural Value Analysis and Guidelines for Creative Economy Development

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Inspired by the abundant banana resources in Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, Mr. Panupong Kamfun transformed dried banana peels into Thai boxer figurines. This initiative promotes the creative use of local materials while showcasing the art of Thai boxing. This creative research aimed to (1) examine the creative process of crafting banana rope Muay Thai dolls by Mr. Panupong Kumfun, focusing on material selection, the design of Muay Thai postures, and the application of colors and patterns that reflect Thai cultural identity; (2) analyze the cultural value of these dolls using evaluative criteria in art, form, technique, local materials, indigenous knowledge, symbolism, and the meaning of Muay Thai gestures; and (3) propose development strategies for banana rope Muay Thai dolls within the framework of the Creative Economy, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 12, which emphasize economic growth and efficient, sustainable use of local resources.
Methods: The creative process involved constructing the figure’s frame with iron wire, shaping the body by wrapping banana rope. The design incorporates distinctive elements of Muay Thai, including the Mongkhon (ceremonial headgear), Pra Jiad (sacred armbands), traditional rope handwraps, and the checkered loincloth known as Pha khao ma, all of which reflect the cultural essence of Thai boxing. Evaluation was conducted by a panel comprising two community artisans, three Thai art and culture specialists, one local Muay Thai cultural expert/trainer, two product-design or souvenir artists, two consumer representatives, and two creative-economy or online-marketing experts.
Results: Findings revealed that the banana-fiber Muay Thai dolls possess high artistic and cultural potential, demonstrating distinctive martial-arts identity through dynamic postures, cultural symbolism, and meticulous yet rustic rope-wrapping techniques. Experts from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna positively assessed the product as a valuable handicraft suitable for commercialization as souvenirs or decorative art. A cost analysis indicated that an appropriate average selling price ranges between 350–500 THB per piece, covering production costs, labor, and packaging. This price reflects four dimensions of value: identity and symbolic value, artistic and craftsmanship value, spatial and community value, and souvenir and decorative. value.
Conclusions: This research contributes to the discourse on the Creative Economy by leveraging cultural capital and local wisdom to create added value, aligning with SDG 8 (inclusive economic growth) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production). However, the research still has limitations in assessing the potential of the works as a broad learning medium, which should be further studied in the future.