From the old days until now, Thai people have the culture of crafting silver into silverware for several purposes. For example, religious objects, jewellery or household utensils. Archeological evidence indicates that silver has been used since Dvaravati, Sukhothai, Lanna, and Ayudhya until Rattanakosin period.
Descendants like us thus having an opportunity to inherit the wisdom of turning valuable metal into life-blessing objects and the sophisticated craftsmanship. Though old evidence suggests that silverware was used only among members of the royal family, noblemen and the rich, from the late Rattanakosin period until now people have widely used silver in creating artwork and designing various kinds of products.
Nowadays, our society and culture are lead by economic direction. Money is the indicator of good condition of living. Using silver to create delicate and sophisticate jewellery, household utensils or artworks has become time wasting process, old-fashioned and contradict to economic growth. Lots of craftsmen and artists thus abandon this job and stop passing on the knowledge. Damage caused by this may not be seen today. But, if we continue neglecting, we may eventually lose our cultural uniqueness and become another prey of cultural colonialism.
Descendants like us thus having an opportunity to inherit the wisdom of turning valuable metal into life-blessing objects and the sophisticated craftsmanship. Though old evidence suggests that silverware was used only among members of the royal family, noblemen and the rich, from the late Rattanakosin period until now people have widely used silver in creating artwork and designing various kinds of products.
Nowadays, our society and culture are lead by economic direction. Money is the indicator of good condition of living. Using silver to create delicate and sophisticate jewellery, household utensils or artworks has become time wasting process, old-fashioned and contradict to economic growth. Lots of craftsmen and artists thus abandon this job and stop passing on the knowledge. Damage caused by this may not be seen today. But, if we continue neglecting, we may eventually lose our cultural uniqueness and become another prey of cultural colonialism.
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