Research & Article

The purpose of this research was to study the inheritance of Shadow Puppet performances in Surat Thani Province with qualitative research methods. The concept of intangible cultural heritage management including the concept of Shadow Puppet show was employed as a framework for research through the process of collecting data from three methods: observation, interviews, and related documents examination. The sample defined in 3 groups: the successor group, the government group, and the private group, which are involved or have a stake in the succession of the Shadow Puppet in Surat Thani Province. Samplings from these three groups were selected specific sampling through in-depth interviews and descriptive-stylistic analysis using related theories as a framework for data analysis.

The study results show that the art of Shadow Puppet in Surat Thani Province has 2 main characteristics:  1) inherited through the kinship system and 2) inheritance from teachers to disciple. Most of them are passed down through the kinship system from generation to generation, through training from family members such as from grandfather to father, father to son, brother to brother, etc. Teachers, professors, or local philosophers who possess knowledge and expertise in Shadow Puppet through educational institutes, associations, clubs, and various agencies which play a key role in preserving the wisdom cultural heritage of the Shadow Puppet performance for youth in Surat Thani. Such institutions help raise awareness and promote importance of the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, the art of Shadow Puppet performances in Surat Thani Province through participation in projects, activities, and training arrangements, etc.