This temple is situated in the town. It is a centre for Buddha image sculpture. The technique was handed down from the Ban Chang Lo School in Thon Buri. A collection of 300 Nang Yai or shadow play figures at this temple is considered the most complete in Thailand.
Nang Yai literally means "large shadow pupet".It is a high art form that originated the beginning of the 15th century A.D.. Nang Yai performance was a popula means of entertainment during Ayutthaya period and was mentioned in a poetry called Bunnovat Khamchan written by a Buddhist monk named Mahanak in around A.D. 175131758 or during the late reihn of King Boromakot.
Nang Yai is originally a prototype of modern mask dance,which incorporates various episodes of an Indian epic called Ramakian(in Thai) or Ramayana (in Indian version).Nang Yai performance also adopts Ramakien as a leading story and the performance is episodic in each show.
The performance of large shadow puppet is traditionally held in open spaces such as lawn or village dirt space.
The main components of Nag Yai compose of a 16*6 white screen held by four bamboo or wood poles on each side. The screen is trimmed by red strip. Behind the screen strands a tinder or a bonfire lightened up to reflect the shadows of the puppet. During the course of the show there is a Thai music band that plays music in accordance with each episode of the performance. Also important in each shaow is dubber
The puppet figures are made from cow or buffalo hide perforated into different characters in Ramakien story. Each puppet weights approximately 3-4 kg. The biggest puppet is that chararterize a place, weighing around 5-7 kg. There is doubt that why large shadow puppet performer should be male and must be strong enough to hold the puppet through the course of performance period.
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Address: Wat Sawang Arom
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on Jan 23, 2006
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