Prologue |19
๏ Indigenous Games, Indigenous Sports and Martial Arts
Indigenous games, indigenous sports and martial
arts refer to sport games and martial arts which are played
in Thailand and reflect on Thai identity, divided into three
following categories.
“Indigenous games” is the self-motivated and
body-moving activity for fun, uniquely found in each locality.
Such games create love and harmony in the group —
without fixed rules but agreed among the players, such as
Mak Keb (jackstones), Mon Son Pa (hiding a cloth behind
one’s back), Ma Kan Kluai (Banana rib horse), Mae Ngu
Aei (Snatching a baby from the mother snake), Phong
Phang (Trapping the fish), Ri Ri Khaosan (Catching the last
one in the line), Son Ha (Hide and seek) or Pong Pae.
“Indigenous Sports” refer to the physical
competitions which require moving ability, with an aim of
winning results by the rules of each locality such as ox
and cattle running competitions, Ti Chab (Humming and
Tagging), Takro Lod Huang, Yae Long Roo, Thai kite,
and chess.
“Martial arts” refer to fighting methods or formats of
using body or tools with the skills culturally and inherently
trained such as swordplay and Thai boxing.