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Intellectual Cultural Heritage
79
Nang Talung
folk shadow puppets are handicraft
works made of tanned, cut, and perforated leather
sheets for use in the folk shadow puppet spectacle. In
the past the craftsmen used various kinds of animal hide
such as bear’s skin, deer’s skin, tiger’s skin, barking
deer’s skin, and mouse deer’s skin. Today cowhide and
buffalo’s hide are preferably used instead. The principal
product ion cent re i s in Khao Chai Son Di st r i ct ,
Phatthalung Province.
Production process begins from the soaking of the
hide in pineapple juice, lime juice, or the juice of any
sour fruit (presently vinegar is used) to tan the hide
before exposing it to the sun. Figures are traced on the
leather to be cut and perforated to make the desired
shapes and painted. In the last process, each of the
puppets is attached to a
mai tap
(holder stick) and
mai
chu mue
(arms manipulation sticks).
Bes ides being used in the shadow puppet
spectacle, the
Nang Talung
puppets are also used as
decorative items in the room. The handicraft reflects
the unique identity of the southern people and their
appreciation of their folk art.
Nang Talung