c. Sala Sip Mu Lanna Wisdom
1.1 Silverware of
Wua Lai Community
“Wua Lai Community” has been well recognized as Chiang Mai’s cultural and
commercial community of silver craftsmanship with historical significance since
Lanna period. King Kawila mobilized Wua Lai villagers from Kong River, Khern
people from Chiang Tung district and people from Yong, Sard, Mang city all the
way from Sipsong Panna township in China to Chiang Mai. The artisans were
grouped to reside both inside and outside city wall. Silversmiths were settled
near to Thai Khern community with 3 temples as community center which are Wat
Nantharam, Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Puak Pia. This new village was named after
the name of original community as “Ngua Lai” or “Wua Lai”.
At the first age,
silverware was made as a tribute to the ruler. After economic expansion and
Chiang Mai became a trading center of Lanna with more activities with other
territories, Silverware became goods for exchange and trading that normal
people could wear. This movement led to the positive changes of silver
craftsmanship. Pattern of Wua Lai silverware has been improved with more
varieties and can be divided into 2 categories.
1)
Utensils, decorative items, souvenirs, gifts and collectible Sawaitwiharee,
Wasanas such as silver bowl (Salung), vase, photo frame, tableware, bowl and
pedestal tray, candlestick, etc.
2) Silver ornaments such as rings, bracelets, earrings,
buttons, necklaces, etc.
Wua Lai silverware is regarded as a famous and valuable
handicraft of Chiang Mai province. Its production is the intricate work that
requires refined skills of art and craft. Every piece is made with pride and
intention to keep Wua Lai silverware unique. Most of Wua Lai households produce
silverware as their permanent and supplement job. They take different roles in
production works, men to hammer, women to carve beautifully and elder persons
polish for shiny finishing. Until now, silverware production becomes a social
capital of Wua Lai community, even if the sound of silver bowl hammering begins
to fade along the time.
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