Thai Song Dam Identity: Cultural Construction and Its Maintenance The 11th International Conference on Thai Studies 26-28 July 2010 Thai Song Dam Identity: Cultural Construction and Its Maintenance Narong Ardsmiti Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia

Objectives To explain how Thai Song Dam’s identities have been constructed and how Thai Song Dam people make use their culture for negotiating with dominant culture

Primary Statement Identity formation and maintenance: Ethnic identity is maintained through the practice of ancestral worship and continued belief in ancestral spirit. Their identities are not only to inform others to know who they are; instead, they become strategies of self-presentation to negotiate ethnic identity with dominant cultures.

Initial Finding 2 main factors that have contributed to strong ethnic identity maintenance among the Thai Song Dam: In-group Marriage Strict adherence to spiritual ritual performances Building ethnic collectivity through Thai Song Dam Day

In-group Marriage Restricted mobility In-group Marriage Forced to stay within contained areas In-group Marriage Cultural Attitude Strong cultural transmission Negative attitudes against other groups

Ritual and Transmission Belief in Spirits “If we propitiate ancestral spirits, they would bring good luck to us.” Thai Song Dam observes a number of spiritual rituals. Each ritual requires specific practices Sean Rean - grand ritual conducted every 3-4 years Pa Tong - food offering to the spirits every 5-10 days Sean Tan Ban Nor - traditional healing by invoking spirits Sean Ton - merit making ceremony to bring good fortune to oneself etc.

Ritual and Transmission Analysis All Thai Song Dam’s Rituals have purposes for group members Seeking comfort and security To bring good luck, to protect against evil spirits and misfortunes Paying respect to ancestors Valorization of respect for elders Re-enforcing social structure Who you are/ Whose status you are (social hierarchy and roles) To get together among relative descents Tight social relationships Require continued observers to carry on practices

New Cultural Invention Thai Song Dam Day (Since 1957) Coin a new word “Thai Song Dam” Initial objectives Organizing various ceremonies in one place Present “Thai Song Dam” cultures to government officials and the public Express group unity

New Cultural Invention Thai Song Dam Day (in the present) Locating the Thai Song Dam in Thai national imaginary Proud to be Thai under the Thai monarch

New Cultural Invention Networking among co-ethnics in different places Creating space for ethnic identity expression

New Cultural Invention Negotiating ethnic identity within dominant culture in everyday life at the festival

Initial Conclusion In the past 2 main factors Nowadays In-group marriage Continue practicing ritual performances Nowadays Create a Thai Song Dam Day

Initial Conclusion Thai Song Dam Day Negotiate ethnic identity Create self esteem as Thai equal to others Create network among co-ethnics Create social space Negotiate ethnic identity with dominant culture

Thai Song Dam Identity: Cultural Construction and Its Maintenance Thank You