Satree
The figure comes from a complete altar of a spiritual healer, Mrs. Mo Toi Phun-Khasem in Banphet village, Bumnetnarong district, Chaiyaphum province in northeast Thailand. She called the altar the "Tamnag" (palace [ ตำหนัก] of the spirits). Satree (="female figure") of the "Chao Mae Ta-Khaeng Tong" (Ta-Khaeng is a type of tree: Hopea odorata, Malabar ironwood), i.e. "Revered golden mother Ta-Khaeng". This tree is thought to be inhabited by a female spirit, which must be treated with respect and sacrificed even when the tree has been felled and processed (e.g. in the supporting pillars of houses or in boats made from this wood). In boats made of this wood, this spirit is then worshipped as Mae Ya-nang (Ya=grandmother, nang=woman). The nickname "Tong" (=gold) possibly stems from the practice of ritually covering the wood with gold paper.
The figure comes from a complete altar of a spiritual healer, Mrs. Mo Toi Phun-Khasem in Banphet village, Bumnetnarong district, Chaiyaphum province in northeast Thailand. She called the altar the "Tamnag" (palace [ ตำหนัก] of the spirits). Satree (="female figure") of the "Chao Mae Ta-Khaeng Tong" (Ta-Khaeng is a type of tree: Hopea odorata, Malabar ironwood), i.e. "Revered golden mother Ta-Khaeng". This tree is thought to be inhabited by a female spirit, which must be treated with respect and sacrificed even when the tree has been felled and processed (e.g. in the supporting pillars of houses or in boats made from this wood). In boats made of this wood, this spirit is then worshipped as Mae Ya-nang (Ya=grandmother, nang=woman). The nickname "Tong" (=gold) possibly stems from the practice of ritually covering the wood with gold paper.
Collector:
Reinhard Maurer
Entry Date:
2007
Object Name
Figur
Culture
Thailand
Copyright
Weltmuseum Wien
Collection area
South Asia, Southeast Asia, Himalayas
Invs.
186507
