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Music Icons, Allegories and Symbolic Representation: Iconological Analysis of Thai Murals Along the Mae Klong Riverside

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines the Thai music iconology – with a focus on the instruments and ensembles and their symbolic representations – of monastery murals along the Mae Klong riverside. It also investigates how Thai music iconology links to broader views on Thai music, including those from Buddhism, culture, and social realms. Thirty-eight murals from the Ayutthaya period to the King Rama V period were selected for analysis. Improvised tools from Kress and Van Leeuwen’s (2020) inter-semiotic, multidimensional approach and Panosfky’s (1962) concepts of iconography were employed in the data analysis. Additionally, an in-depth interview was conducted with key informants, including local intellectuals and experts in the related areas, for data triangulation. The findings show significant influence of music on Thai social forms, religious beliefs, as well as cultural and historical values.

Source: Manusya Journal of Humanities

DOI: 10.1163/26659077-26010013

Authors: Traitrung Ploymong, Poonpit Amatyaku, Narongchai Pidokrajt, Manus Keawbucha

Institutions: Mahidol University, Bangkokthonburi University, Thonburi University

Language: English

Topic: Musicology and Musical Analysis

Subfield: Music

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4392625075

FWCI:

Cites: 19

Cited by:

Related to: 10